Edward T. Gorecki

Edward T. Gorecki, was born in Chicago in 1919 and was the devoted son of the late John and Katarzyna (Kopec) Gorecki. He was married for 61 years to the late Lillian (Stoklosa)Gorecki. He is survived by his son John ôJackö Gorecki, his grandchildren Elizabeth (Paul) Hanna, Bryan Gorecki (fiancΘe Karin Keifer), Bradley Gorecki and Sarah Gorecki. He is the proud great-grandfather to Claire, Erin, James and Jill Hanna. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, his devoted daughter Janice Gorecki, his daughter-in-law Susan (Schalk) Gorecki, a brother Frank Gorecki, his sister Helen Naroleski, and his brother-in-law John Naroleski. Edward graduated from Harrison High School in Chicago in 1939. In 1941, he was drafted into the army where he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was one of 175 original members of the 3rd Division, 30th Infantry, Anti Tank Company. At the outset of World War II the division trained on the West Coast where he was stationed at Ft. Lewis and Ft. Ord. He participated in 5 beach landings and ten campaigns made by the 3rd Division beginning in November 1942 in North Africa. The 3rd Division in 1943 made beach landings first in Sicily, then at Salerno, Italy and later that year at Anzio, Italy. On June 4, 1944 the 3rd Division liberated Rome. In August 1944, the 3rd Division made a fifth beach landing at San Tropez in southern France. On V/E Day in Salzburg, Austria, Edward was one of only 62 surviving original soldiers who trained with the division on the West Coast. During his 31 months in combat, Edward was wounded twice and received a Purple Heart with clusters. In December 1944, he received a Bronze Star with cluster for heroic action in Colmar Pocket in France. He earned ten campaign stars and was awarded the Croix De Guerre with palm by the French government. In 1946 he married the love of his life, Lillian. They made their home and raised their two children in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. After they retired, they traveled to many parts of the United States. As an electrician by trade, Edward was also a very talented carpenter, plumber, painter and gardener. He delighted in fixing things and he took extreme pride in maintaining his home. He was an avid golfer. Edward was a member of St. Joseph Church, Summit, and for many years an usher and member of the Holy Name Society. He was a life time member of the Des Plaines V.F.W. Post in Summit and served on their Ritual Team. In 2010 Edward moved to St. Charles. He became a member of Saint John Neumann, became a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and was an active member of the St. Charles VFW. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 31st. at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 East Main Street, St. Charles; a visitation will be held one hour before mass at the church. Visitation is from 4 PM to 7 PM Friday January 30th at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St. Charles. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial funds be donated to Misericordia of Chicago. Entombment will be private.

Edward T. Gorecki

December 18, 1919 - January 24, 2015