Henry Bira left this Earth to join our Heavenly Father and Mother on July 20, 2024. He was born on June 11, 1939, to Ludwig Bira and Bronislawa Daniel in rural Poland. He lived on a farm with his older brother and sister, where they survived WWII, & communism, and went on to live a life characterized by his devotion to his Catholic faith and his love for his family. In his later years, his Catholic faith would take him around the world with his church, visiting holy places in Poland, Italy, Israel, and Mexico.

In 1967, he took the skills he learned as a tailor's apprentice and a farmer to follow the love of his life, Maria "Rysia" Skiba to Chicago. They were wed at St. Ladislaus Church on June 10, 1967, And were blessed with four amazing children and in-laws: Roman (Jackie Koesters),  Rich, Yolanda (Jim Madden), and Michelle (Dominic Roti).  He worked tirelessly to provide for them, working as a machinist for 40 years, never once calling in sick and always in a pressed button-down shirt. In the evening, after dinner, he made sure that his children did their homework, caring for the kids throughout the evening while his wife worked the night shift. He was devoted to his family and worked tirelessly to provide for them.

An avid gardener, he took pride in his lawn and garden, which he meticulously tended with his wife. He also had a love for nature and animals, especially pigeons. Over the years, he dotted over several pigeons and a few bunnies, often driving everyone mad, especially his wife. He was known to "have it his way", but that's what made him who he was.

He loved to share his passions and opinions with his family and his several grandchildren. He has left his indelible mark on Maggie, Luke, Hannah, Sarah, John Paul, Mary, Joey, Anthony, and Evie. He enjoyed watching them grow and cherished his time with them. He loved to share traditions and especially sweets with them. It was often difficult to leave his house without trying some dessert he insisted they try.

Despite his doctor's prognosis that he had less than 1% chance to make it two years when he was diagnosed with a very rare version of Non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma, called Sezary Syndrome, and later also Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Henry lived a full life for another 16 years. Although his first memories of his life were hiding from soldiers in a secret room under his home during World War 2, his final moments on this Earth were in his home surrounded by family, listening to the birds from his garden.

Free from his Earthly body, riddled with cancer and tumors, he is now free to sing with the angels and dance the polka with his family.  No doubt, he is sharing a heavenly meal with the Blessed Mother and saving space at the table for us when we can all be together again.

Donations in Henry's honor are welcome to be made the Lymphoma Research Foundation, donations may be made online by:  CLICKING HERE 

Visitation, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave. Chicago, IL 60630. Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Constance Church, 5843 W. Strong St. Chicago, IL 60630, interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL.

For information, 773-736-2300.