John Bonczak

John Bonczak (71), long-time resident of Homewood passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022 after a 12-year battle with cancer. Loving husband of Jill "Jilly" (nee Engels). Caring father of Pete (Denise) DeMaio, Kathleen "Sissy" Doody and Ed (Kyrsten) Norbury. Grandpa to Peter, Jr., Christina, Shannon, Jay, Jason (Olivia), Carissa and Lexie. Great-grandpa to Elias and Atheia. Adoring brother to Helen (Wally) Kowalski, brother-in-law to Sharon (Ray) Bonaguro, and Edward Don (Mary) Grossman, both in heaven. Uncle to Sue (Jim), Lori, Barb (Joe), Bob (Robin), Gigi, Michelle (Andy), Karen (Mark), Donny and Sylvia. Great uncle and friend to too many to mention.

John was born on December 27, 1950 in Sanok, Poland to Teofil and Janina nee Polna. John and his family emigrated to the United States in 1960 and lived on the south-side of Chicago. John graduated from Fenger High School in 1968; he went to college and was then drafted in 1970. John proudly served as an M.P. in the Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of MP-SP4. John was happy to become a naturalized citizen of the United States of America on August 6, 1974.

John met his wife Jill, they wed on July 21, 1978, bought their first and only home in Homewood and lived there for over 43 years. John retired from the Chicago Board of Education after 26 years of service in 1998, then he went on to selling cars and then worked for The Home Depot until 2011. After John left The Home Depot, John and Jill spent all of their time together and loved every minute of it!

John adored music and played in a band for over 20 years. He loved playing golf, was a good bowler and enjoyed watching all sports on tv. He couldn't wait to go camping, especially the road trips all over the country, but most of he loved his trips to Las Vegas.

John was loved by many and will be missed by all.

A Memorial visitation and service will be held on Sat. April 23, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 6pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society in John's name. For further information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300