Obituary: Gregory Martin Ukovich

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Gregory Martin Ukovich

“Greg”

Gregory Martin Ukovich, age 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Lightways Hospice with the love of his family by his side. He was born on May 29, 1951, the son of the late Sylvester and Mary (nee Chebuhar) Ukovich. Greg grew up in Joliet and Crest Hill and was a graduate of Lockport West High School. He continued his education at Joliet Junior College.

Greg dedicated 32 years of service to ComEd before retiring in 2014. Not one to sit still for long, he decided to return to the workforce, spending another 11 years as a custodian for Saratoga School District. The position held a special meaning for Greg, as it gave him the opportunity to work in the same school where his daughter was a teacher, something he truly enjoyed.

Greg was an avid bowler and a proud member of the Morris Senior Men's Bowling League. He also spent more than 20 years as a softball umpire, sharing his love of the game with countless players and families throughout the years. He was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan, proudly holding that distinction as the only White Sox fan in his household! While Greg loved watching his White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks; what he loved most was watching his children and grandchildren on the field or court. You would often see him in his tall chair on the sideline cheering everyone on.

Faith was an important part of Greg's life. He was a longtime and active parishioner of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet, where he served as an Elder. He also shared his faith with the community as a radio announcer for the church's Sunday morning broadcast on WJOL at 11:00 a.m. for 15 years.

Greg will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his commitment to his faith, and the many ways he gave of himself to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Greg is survived by his wife of 53 years, Claudia (nee Dalziel) Ukovich; his daughters, Melissa (Nick) Cardone and Melanie (Brad) Kunz; son-in-law, Doug Darguzis; and his grandchildren, Peyton and Cameron Darguzis and Drew and Will Kunz.

He is preceded by his daughter, Michelle Darguzis; and his parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 310 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL. Inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Pink Heals Joliet Area Chapter or to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

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 an online condolence.

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