JAMES FAGAN
James “Jim” Fagan, age 71, of Lombard, passed away on July 29, 2022.
Jim, who was the son of the late Eugene and Irene (née Kaster) Fagan, grew up in Elmhurst across the street from the love of his life, Joyce. He was a resident of the Lombard and Villa Park area of 45 years.
Jim graduated from Addison Trail High School in 1969. He began college at Elgin Community College and then went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. He spent 10 years at Argonne National Laboratory and 31 years at Fermilab in High Energy Physics. Retiring in 2016.
Jim loved to spend his free time in the outdoors. He enjoyed his hunting, fishing trips, and countless summer vacations camping with his family. Jim had been a member of L.O.O.M. Naperville. He loved spending time with his six grandchildren whom he adored immensely.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce (née Meiners) Fagan; children Brian (Corrie) Fagan of Carol Stream. Jennifer Spanuello of Lombard, Jacqueline (Dan) Dempsey of Lombard; grandchildren Shealynn, Camden and Devin Fagan, Will Spanuello, Keaton, Morgan, and baby girl Dempsey; sister-in-law Donna (the late Warren) Bailey of Wisconsin; nephew David (Katie) Bailey of Wisconsin, and two great nephews, Dexter and Milo Bailey; brother-in-law John Meiners of Wisconsin; and many cousins and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his father Eugene, mother Irene, and sister Karen (Charles) Morris.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101; Catch a Dream Foundation, 2485 Ennis Rd., Starkville, MS 39759; or Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 1165 S. Westmore-Meyers Road, Lombard, IL 60148, would be appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Street, Lombard. Jim will be Lying-In-State from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 1165 S. Westmore-Meyers Road, Lombard. Private Interment.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
CATHERINE JULIA MARCHITTO
Catherine Julia Marchitto, née Imlauf, age 99 of Villa Park. Beloved wife of the late Michael Marchitto; loving mother of Cathy Eppelheimer, Michael Marchitto, Wendy (the late Dr. Ghanim) Kassir, Kevin (Annette) Marchitto, the late Joyce Davenport, and the late James Marchitto; devoted grandmother of Kimberly Yench, Michael (Marianne) Epplelheimer, Dena (Michael) Boznos, Michael Marchitto, Christina (Joseph) Stanislao, Jennifer (Mark Sadkowski) Kassir, Kevin (Renee) Kassir, Ghanim Kassir, Elizabeth (John) Franks, Carlitta Marchitto, Rocco Marchitto, and Valeria Marchitto; great-grandmother of 15; fond sister of Rita Doersam, and the late Marian Gober; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Catherine brought her loving family and friends together with good food, good stories, and lots of laughter. She will be remembered for finding beauty in the simpler things in life.
Services were held July 30. Funeral info: www.steuerlefh.com or 630-832-4161.
JOSEPH MURPHY
Joseph ‘Joe’ Martin Murphy, age 57, of Lombard, died July 27, 2022.
Joe was the dear brother of Lori Murphy (Barry Smith) of Geneva, IL, Maureen Murphy of Villa Park, and Mark Murphy of Mississippi; dear uncle of William ‘Bill’ (Michelle) Sands of Wisconsin, Katherine ‘Katie’ Sands of Chicago, Helen Burnett of Louisiana, Grady Burnett of Texas and Emma Joy Burnett of Villa Park; dear great-uncle to Cecilia Cynthia Sands.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Doris Murphy, née Svehla.
Joe loved nature, animals, old cars and the Chicago Bears. He loved his family, especially his niece, nephew and great niece. Joe felt most at peace when he was in nature, he especially loved his trips to Wisconsin and he loved talking to everyone.
A Memorial services was held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Private interment.
The family would like to thank those that helped Joe through his journey of life; you know who you are, may many blessings come your way.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Joe can be made to DuPage County Animal Shelter, 120 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
MARTHA NOVAK
Martha ‘Marcy’ Novak née Paetzold, age 76, longtime Lombardian, died July 28, 2022 at home.
Martha was the wife of John Novak for 56 years; mother of Kristynn (Mitchell) Dolezal, John (Amy) Novak and Theodore (Megan) Novak; grandma to Alex (Amy), Drew and Tina Dolezal; Maddie, Lindsey, Andie Novak, and Milan and Gemma Novak; great grandma to Cadence Dolezal; sister of Bill (Donna) Paetzold, the late Elizabeth Bullis and the late Michael Paetzold; and relative and friend to many.
Marcy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College (Magna cum Laude) and her Master in Education from National Louis University. She was certified as a National Board Teacher (NBPTS) and Illinois Master Teacher.
Marcy taught at Pleasant Lane Elementary School for over 20 years. She authored “A Children’s History of Lombard Illinois,” published by Lombard District 44.
Passionate about science, Marcy taught annual workshops at NASA Space Academy in Houston, teaching other teachers how to incorporate space into classrooms at the Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC).
Marcy was Lombard Woman of the Year in 1979. She was an active School Board Member. She received the Illinois State Board of Education Award for Education Excellence in 1982.
Over the years, Marcy was a member of the Lombard Service League, Lombard Historic Preservation Commission, Delta Kappa Gamma, AAUW, and National Education Association.
Marcy was an artist, painting oils of Lilacia Park and other beautiful scenery. She adored her art and her gardening, with both flowers and vegetables allowing her to garden year round, including indoor orchids during the winter. She was a member of the Lombard Garden Club.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Street, Lombard. Mass will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 114 S. Elizabeth Street, Lombard. Interment private.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
STEPHEN C. SPODEN
Stephen C. Spoden, age 73, lifelong Lombardian, passed away July 25, 2022, at his home.
Steve was the dear son of the late Raymond and the late Leona Spoden; dear brother of Dennis (Mary) of St. Charles and Kenneth (Sheryl) of Missouri; cherished uncle of Jeremy (Mo), Ryan (Hanh), Laura (Kevin), Dan (Victoria) and Sheree; great-uncle of 10; nephew of Dolores (the late Warren) Henderson of Glen Ellyn; and friend and relative of many.
Steve was a 1968 graduate of Glenbard East High School and a graduate of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
Steve loved being outside. He enjoyed vacationing in North Dakota, biking, canoeing, astronomy and other outdoor activities. Steve was an excellent photographer. Steve was a member of the Lombard Historical Society.
Steve started working at the Lombardian newspaper in 1968; he was their photographer for over 50 years. He loved his job, which allowed him to get to know people in the community. Steve enjoyed taking photos of Lombard’s residents and community activities. During the course of his work, he spent a lot of time with the Lombard Police and Fire Departments.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 30, at Brust Funeral Home. Interment followed at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Lombard Historical Society, 23 W. Maple Street, Lombard, IL 60148, would be appreciated.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
CLARENCE ZABOROWSKI
Clarence “Clem” Zaborowski, age 93, of Lombard, Veteran of the Korean War, passed away on July 30, 2022, at his home.
All services are private.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
KAREN ZACK
Karen Zack, age 81, of Lombard, died July 30, 2022, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
All services are private.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
