FRANCIS SMEGO, 89, US Navy Korean War Veteran

(The following obituary was submitted to Joliet Patch for publication.)

JOLIET, IL —Francis Smego passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023. Francis was a founding board member of the Lockport Township Library, volunteer at St. Dennis School, long time member of the parish council, a United States sailor on Operation Deep Freeze to the South Pole in 1955, a life long world traveler, and beloved member of his neighborhood community.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Sophia Smego; brothers, Leonard (late Edna) Smego and Thomas Smego.

Survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Catherine (nee Gorman) Smego; loving children, Francis (Gayle Wagner) Smego, Cyndee (Kenneth) Levy, Michael (Kelly) Smego and Patrick (Susan) Smego; cherished grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 3; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Dennis Church or Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends to meet on Tuesday June 27, 2023 for the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Dennis Church (1214 S. Hamilton St., Lockport). Interment Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Joliet, IL. Arrangements by O’NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport. For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com