"I've had a great life." John George Attak, born August 6th, 1924, passed from this earthly life to his Eternal reward on May 20th, 2023.

Son of Felix and Mary Attak, he follows his deceased brothers, Stanley (Red), Casey, infant Edward Attak, and sisters Louise Logan and Loretta Lutzka. (There were many spirited Saturday night poker games!)

A lifelong Chicagoan and sports fan (Cubs, Bears, Hawks) he sold newspapers as a boy at Clark and Addison during the Depression. At the age of eighteen and as a member of "The Greatest Generation" he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was assigned as a gunner's mate on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex. The Essex saw extensive action in the Pacific theater until the end of WWII in 1945. He was an Honor Flight participant and celebrated his 90th Birthday on the infield at Wrigley Field for his service in WWll.

He has a memorial brick at the "Friendly Confines", it reads,

"John Attak 1924, Cub fan and Mai Tai man".

He loved softball and baseball and played for years with the Kelly Tigers, sponsored by the famous Zig Zag Lounge. John was also an avid bowler. He rolled the rock at Mages and Mont Clare Bowling Alleys.

After the war he returned home to family and friends. In 1947 he met the love of his life, Mary (nee Pieczonka) at a church dance at St. John Cantius Church, Chicago. It was love at first sight. They married on May 8th, 1948 and were together for 54 years. John was a wonderful father and devoted husband and caregiver as he tended to his cherished wife at home through years of the effects of Alzheimer's. She succumbed to that dreaded disease in May 2002.

John was employed for 36 years at DuPont De Nemours located on Elston Ave in Chicago. There he served as union representative. One of his coworkers was his childhood friend, the late Eddie Krupela. John was the family handyman. Whether it was painting, repairing, or installing he was relied on by relatives and friends alike. He always answered the call, completing the job with a smile. John loved golf and in his retirement his love of the "greatest game" grew. Whether it was in Maui, Myrtle Beach, or the Chicagoland area, John was always ready to play. He was especially fond of his birthday golf outings with family and friends.

His playing partners ran the gamut from grandson Tim Dunn, PGA professional, to the Jeff Park boys with son Tom and his weekly foursome which included nephew Bruno Attak, "adopted" nephew Reno Franceschi, and the late Bob Crom. He enjoyed playing until the ripe old age of 90!

John is survived by his daughter, Nancy (David) Dunn, sons Tom (Carol) and David; grandchildren, Tim (Cassandra) Dunn, Sarah (Chris) Stepina, and Matthew Attak; great grandchildren Kendall and Addyson Dunn, and Josh and Sydney Stepina. John was affectionately called "Macka" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving nephews and nieces are Frank Page, Bruno (Dee) Attak, Edward (Peggy) Logan, Helen (the late Joe) Galto, Delores (Stan) Robak, and Betty (the late Ted) Ansani. There are dozens of great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, but Uncle John was a favorite of theirs.

Daughter Nancy and son in law David welcomed dad into their home and made his last months as comfortable as possible. John is now approaching the heavenly first tee box. "Hit "em straight Johnny!"

Visitation Tuesday, May 23 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral prayers 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 24 from Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL, to St. Constance for Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

John was a dedicated viewer of Eternal Word Television Network. He watched Mass every day. His faith in the Lord was strengthened by their programming. In lieu of flowers please make a donation at ewtn.com