Leonard "Gary" Maczek, 71

Preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Leo Maczek and Isabelle Lucille Maczek as well as his brother Donald James Maczek.

Dearest nephew and godson of Geraldine Wolski. Cherished cousin, uncle, godfather and friend to many.

Gary grew up in Chicago's Big Oaks neighborhood, attended St. Monica's School and served as an altar boy for the church.  He played little league and despite breaking his arm during a game, his love of sports continued to flourish.  He graduated from St. Patrick's High School and received his Bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. After graduation, Gary worked in the airline industry.

Back in the day, he was an avid listener of 97.9 radio station "The Loop", and throughout his life continued to enjoy all genres of music from Oldies to Rock N Roll.  He also enjoyed trivia, solving puzzles and visiting with friends and family. He was a kind person who served as caretaker for both of his aging parents.  He took pride in and enjoyed helping others.

For many years, he lived at Sunrise Assisted Living. During his time there, he befriended an elderly gentleman, and saw the need to care for his friend as if he were his own father.  Although suffering from many ailments in his later years, Gary always tried to help other residents when he saw they had a need.  He enjoyed chatting every morning about sports with his friends at Sunrise, discussing all the current sport's news and events.  Even though Gary never had a pet of his own, he was quick to adopt Sunrise's resident dog Lily, taking her for walks throughout the day.

Gary will be remembered as a dedicated fan of all Chicago sports teams with a special fondness for the Chicago Cubs.  A good day to him would be a summer afternoon within the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, surrounded by the ivy, complete with a blue cloudless sky and a Cubs double header on the schedule.

Visitation Thursday at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home at 7812 N Milwaukee in Niles, IL.  from 11:30 AM until Funeral service at 1 PM. Procession to Maryhill Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL will be approximately at 1:30pm for interment where Gary will be laid to rest in Section 22 – Block 6 – Lot 21 – Grave 7

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary's name to the American Stroke Association www.stroke.org , Rainbow Hospice of Illinois www.rainbowhospice.org , or to the charity of your choice.

Information: 847-966-7302