Walter E. Adamic

Our dad Walter E. Adamic, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2023, and was welcomed into Heaven by our mom Barbara with open arms, and with the music of a million barking, happy dogs.

A mischievous youth, Dad graduated from Saint Joseph’s Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School (1949) and attended night school at Joliet Junior College and DePaul University while working full time.

Dad's service to his community included the American Legion, VFW, KSKJ, American Red Cross, IBEW, Power Engineers, United Way of Will County, Crisis Line of Will County, founding board member of Joliet Montessori School, former City Councilman for District 2, and former long-time member of the Joliet Plan Commission.  His service to his country included active combat duty in the Korean War (drafted) as Sergeant First Class (awarded Bronze Service Star, Commendation Medal, United Nations, and National Defense Service medals) and upon discharge, was a member of the very unpopular Selective Service (draft board) during Viet Nam, because "someone had to do it." 

Happily retiring from Northern Illinois Gas Company after over 41 years, he and Barbara traveled to Canada and the Pacific Northwest, and finally settled in their beloved Door County Wisconsin for decades of memories made with their children and grandchildren.

The youngest of ten children, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; his siblings, baby Frank, Edward, Julia, John, Henry, Sr. Cherubim (Annie) and Sr. Cecelia (Christie), Raymond, Rev. Albert Adamich, and special nephews John E. Jr. and Joseph W.  Adamic.  He was also predeceased by nephews, Gary and Joe G. Adamic; many cousins; his in-laws, Alvin and Thelma Eberhart; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Dad passes on his robust work ethic, Catholic faith, self-reliance and "never say the word can't" to his children and grandchildren: son Walter (Donna) and granddaughter Olivia; daughter Julie Kinsella (Larry deceased) and grandchildren Andrew, Patrick (Lauren), Christina Kennedy (Michael), Michael (Andrea) and Matthew; and daughter Suzy Snyder (Ken).  He was also blessed by great grandchildren who WILL be told "Grandpa Stories":  Ellie, Cora and Daniel, Benjamin and Rosie, and Cooper and Lyla.

Along with a million fishing poles and cameras, he also leaves his children and grandchildren his love of CECO, bike rides, old cars, classic movies, good pizza and Wisconsin sunsets.  Thank you for letting us have all the pets, epic road trips, success/failures and always having our backs. Rest easy, Dad/Grandpa, we love you.