Obituary of Robert J. Lavery Jr.
Robert J. “Bob” Lavery, Jr.
Age 77, of Shorewood, Il, (formerly of Burbank, Woodridge, Lemont and Odell, IL), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from COPD.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Diane (nee Kruse/Kruczynski); his beloved daughter, Dawn (Kevin) Greco and the proud grandpa of Nicholas Greco. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Walter (Denise) Kruse; sister-in-law, Suzanne (Edward) Pogson; loving godfather of Rick Kruse and Meredith DeLeo; uncle of Kathleen Brashler, Sharon (John) Camp, Rick (Micheline Fowler) Kruse, Robin (Jack ) Horn, Edward Pogson II, Vicki (Kevin) Malinowski, Roger (Cindy) Kruse and Crystal Stanfield; great-uncle of 16; great-great uncle of 6. He also leaves behind many cousins, especially Donna Schroeder, and many friends as well as two sisters and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert, Sr. and Gertrude (Rokos) Lavery; his father and mother-in-law, Walter and Stacia Kruczynski; and his dear sister-in-law, Joan (Herbert) Zielke.
After graduating from Reavis High School in 1964, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and was an Electricians Mate on several ships, on both the east and west coasts.
Bob was a proud Journeyman Wireman of IBEW Local 701, retiring after 38 years of service in 2002. He held positions on the Examining Board and Executive Board for a combination of twelve years.
Bob enjoyed reading (especially on his kindle), camping with his family, woodworking and playing his accordion, which he began playing at the age of 9. In his fifties, Bob decided to take violin lessons, playing for a number of years before deciding he was best at playing the accordion and used his talents playing for family and friends. He was also a member of the Shorewood Glen Entertainers and the Shorewood Glen Veterans Group.
His family would like to thank his doctors, Dr. Bhavesh Gandhi and Dr. Kristopher McDonough, along with their staff and the ALC Hospice Team for the wonderful care he was given over the years while dealing with his COPD.
Visitation for Robert J. Lavery, Jr. will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. As it was Bob’s wish, cremation rites will be accorded following his visitation. Funeral services will begin Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Avenue (Rt 59) Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations to ALC Hospice Care, 360 W. Butterfield Rd., Ste 325, Elmhurst, IL, 60126, would be appreciated.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
