"My deepest condolences on the passing of Ken! He and I went to St. Philip and attended our Senior Prom together! There lots of stories from those days. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the many memories of Ken bring you warmth, joy and happinest!!"
In loving memory of
Kenneth J. Ghidara
June 13, 2016
Kenneth J. Ghidara, age 73, of Quincy, and formerly of Chicago, died Monday, June 13, 2016, at 6:25 pm in his home.
Ken was born November 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Eva Wlodarczyk Ghidara. He married Rosemarie Fojtik on September 7, 1968 in Chicago, IL. She survives
Ken was a 1960 graduate of Phillips High School in Chicago. He then graduated from Weeden Barber College in 1961. Following graduation, Ken served in the United States Navy from 1963 until 1966 in the Air Anti Submarine Squadron 24. He also spent six months on the USS Intrepid. Kenneth was enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves at Glenview Naval Base. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1978, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he was stationed at 928 TAG in Chicago, the 91st Aerial Port Squadron based at O'Hare Airport. Ken was honorably retired from the Air Force as a Tech. Sergeant in 1991.
Ken spent his working career as a shipping and receiving manager for Ball Metal, Gepco International, and Home Depot Distribution Center.
Ken was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. He spent 49 years with the Darius Girenas Post #271 in Chicago, and most recently, two years with Post #37 in Quincy. Ken was also a member of the Air Force Sergeants' Association, Former Crew Members of USS Intrepid CV-11, and the Disabled American Veterans Commander Club.
Ken was an active member of St. Francis Solanus Church in Quincy.
In his spare time, Ken enjoyed traveling, socializing, spending time with his family, and attending Navy reunions. He was a friendly, outgoing man who loved to meet new people. He was a man who loved his family. He loved telling stories and enjoyed seeing many countries with the Air Force Reserve.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: his daughter, Roberta Ann (Dr. David A.) Hirstius of Fowler, IL; his grandson, Evan Joseph Hirstius of Fowler, IL; his sister, Judith (Todd) Garrison of Joliet, IL his niece, Jennifer (Alex) Beck of Shorewood, IL; his nephew, Kevin (Holly) Sadowski of Louisville, KY; two great-nieces, Eva Grace Beck and Madilynn Sadowski; two great-nephews, Max Beck and Nolan Sadowski and many cousins and friends in the Chicago area.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents
Services: 9:30 a.m. prayers at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, followed by a 10:00 am Mass on Friday, June 17, 2016 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, with Fr. Don Blaeser officiating. A memorial service will be held in Chicago at a later date.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Thursday June 16, 2016 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with a wake service at 6:45 p.m.
Memorials: Blessing Hospice
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Rosemarie, Sorry for your loss. I served with Ken in VS-24. Enjoyed chatting with him when he visited the Intrepid here in New York. He will be missed"
"Rosemarie & Family ~ My deepest condolences to you. Remembering Ken as a "full of life", "happy go lucky", and "deep love for his family" type of man. He spreads his sunshine in heaven now & awaits a reuniting with family in time. Healing Hugs, Cherie (Sadowski) Thomas"
"Rose Marie, rest assured you are in my prayers in this time of grief. Our VS-24 family grieves with you. Be comforted in the knowledge that Ken is with our Lord."
"Your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. We will not be able to come to the wake and funeral in Quincy. I am very sorry about that. If it was possible, I'd definitely be there. Please let us know when a service will be held in Chicago and plan on me making you some kolachky for that date :) Our family sent a memorial gift to your house and a plant to the funeral home. I hope they get to you as planned. We need to exchange cell phone #'s when I see you in Chicago. I miss seeing and talking to you and your family. Please take care of yourself and know that I am here if you ever feel like talking. Still have to come to Quincy for a weekend...we'll talk when I see you. Sending All my Love and Support during this difficult time!!!!!!"
"Rosemarie, Roberta, Evan and David, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband/dad/grandfather. He was a great guy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. From my own personal experience it always helped me to think of my Dad being with his Saviour Jesus and also to think about all the funny things my Dad said or did. Bask in those happy memories. Love, Al & Carolyn Podraza"
"He was a great man! Love reading about his life here. My prayers go to your family at this time."
"Rosemarie. I know you have a big hole in your heart and no words can comfort you at this moment. Ken and I both know you will be strong and make it through this ordeal. Your faith, family and friends will be there to help guide you. Remember Ken is only out of site, but remains in the heart forever and no one can take that away. Deeply sorry he has been taken from you. Hugs and love, Val"
"Rosemarie & Family - My memories of Ken are that he was a very happy man, enjoyed life and loved his family. He will be truly missed. My sincere condolences on your loss. Karen Smith"
"You have our deepest sympathy."
"Thoughts and prayers to you and your family."
"We will keep you in our prayers during this time. I pray that God will comfort you during this time of need. Hugs!!"
"Our deepest sympathy to the family. May all of you find console in Jesus our Shepherd! The Nachay's family."
"Bob and I send our love to all of you there."
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your dad was a warm and friendly person. May the great memories you have of him ease your sorrow."
"Sending love"