John A. Truffa

John Truffa, 79, from Homewood, IL, passed away November 9, 2023, surrounded by family in his beloved home. John was born September 8, 1944 in Chicago, and is survived by his loving wife Cheryl (Reils), daughter Mary (Bob) Foreman of Homldel, NJ, son John (Kim) Truffa of Frankfort, daughters Kristen (Liam Ryan) Truffa of Cranford, NJ and Homewood, and Jennifer (Darin Ambrecht) Hartmann of Highlands Ranch, CO; stepsons Matthew (Alyssa) Reils and Brent Reils of Homewood and stepdaughter Allysa (Pierre Robinson) Reils of Las Vegas, NV; close family friend Carlye Holstein of Homewood; sisters Kathleen (Tom) Cowperthwait of Castro Valley, CA, Mary (Neil) Wollek of Alsip, brothers Louis (Kathleen) Truffa of Palos Heights, and Tom Truffa of Homewood; grandchildren Joel, Kayla, Jake, Ellie, Amanda, Bailey, Zack, Ben, Rachel, Daniel, Julianna, Jaxson, Gavin, Isabella, and one more on the way, along with three great grandchildren, Jack, Owen, and Naomi, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Marie (Anton) Truffa, brother Ronald (Barbara) Truffa, sister Laureen Truffa, friend Marylynn Truffa, and son-in-law Kevin Hartmann.

John was a graduate of Chicago Vocational Academy and started his career with Illinois Central Railroad, moved to International Harvester, and then finally transitioned to a staff member as an International Representative for the UAW until his retirement in 2001. John took great pride in his work. Rarely do you find someone that truly believes what they are doing helps make people's lives better. John was that person. He continued advocating for workers post-retirement through his ongoing involvement with the UAW, spending time in Detroit and Ottawa, writing leaflets, and meeting with staff members and retirees. John's children credit him with their own strong work ethics.

That same work ethic and inability to sit still led John to new and interesting ways to make a buck. These included varied renovation projects, car repair, carpet cleaning, and a few food- related ventures including a pizza joint and the legendary Nina's Taco Trailer! John's cooking skills were not to be disputed. Homemade pizza on Saturday nights and many pancake breakfasts will be well remembered. Not surprisingly, John's interests… when he found the time included gardening which he shared with Cheryl and their harvest could be found on their menu daily as well as their family and friends' tables. Although he did enjoy fixing cars, the ability to take his latest muscle car to the dragstrip truly put a smile on his face. However, speed was not always required, and a road trip on his Harley was just as enjoyable.

If you were to ask John's children what they most admired about their dad, one standout would be his unique ability to tackle any project with a blend of instruction and direction that not only led to a successful outcome but also the ability to do it on their own next time. From weekends spent hauling drywall to late nights under the glow of shop lights repairing yet another "less than new" automobile, John had the skill and drive to fix it…whatever "it" was, he could fix it. Unfortunately, as a die hard Cubs fan John knew that there were some things beyond his abilities to fix. Thankfully the Cubs granted him a World Series Title in 2016, proving him wrong…miracles do happen in his lifetime. But let's not talk about his other favorite, The Bears.

Above all, John loved his family and enjoyed sharing time with them. Lives are busy, but a phone call to discuss the latest politics and current events, or a backyard barbecue and "Sunday Fun Days" with anyone that was available truly made his day. He would do anything for you, and often did, expecting nothing in return. He was well loved, well respected, and will be well remembered.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for Friday, November 17th, at Tews Funeral Home, 18230 South Dixie Highway, Homewood, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. A mass will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood, on Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train, https://www.smiletrain.org

For further information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.