Name: Visitation for Russell Chicoine
Start: 2014-10-12T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-10-13T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

Russell G. Chicoine, age 96, at rest on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Glomb); dear father of Russell J. and Michele Daker; loving grandfather of Tiffany (Jason) Budzinski, Christopher Daker and Mason Daker; proud great-grandfather of Nathaniel Daker and Magdalena Budzinski. Funeral Monday 8:45 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn to St. Linus Church. Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Private. Visitation Sunday 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. For info please call 708-636-1193 or visit www.blakelamboaklawn.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Chicoine

8 Entries

Kyle

December 12, 2014

I just learned of Russ's passing. I am so thankful I got to know him about four years ago. I visited Russ to purchase vacuum cleaners sevral times. I last visited with Russ about a year ago. I always enjoyed listening to his stories from the 'old days' about how he worked so hard to move forward and get ahead. He never gave up and always had a new avenue or idea. Russ was truly a one of a kind great guy, we always had a good laugh. I think of him everytime I spend time working with my vacuum collection. A couple machines I got from him are part of my collection and always will be. I always thought Russ would be available to sell a vacuum anytime. You would never have guessed his age when you met him. Russ will never be forgotten.

Laura Paliotte

October 22, 2014

I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there for you during this time. As always, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you...hugs and kisses.

Emil "Pudge" Lach

October 13, 2014

Condolences once again on the passing of your "One of a kind" Patriarch. I'm glad I was able to know him during my formative years...and to participate in his services.

Tiffany Budzinski

October 12, 2014

Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate Russell's life and share our grief at his passing.

As many of you know I am Russell's grandchild, Tiffany.

My grandfather, Russell George Chicoine, was a great man. He was dearly loved by his wife of 67 years, two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Although he came from simple beginnings he worked his way through many avenues to be a successful businessman and provider for his family.

He was born to Henry and Estelle Chicoine on September 23rd, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. My grandfather was a witness to historical events throughout his life including but not limited to: the first radio broadcasts, Amelia Earhart flying over the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Depression, the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pearl Harbor, World War II, polio vaccine, civil rights movement, Vietnam war, assassination of J.F.K., first man on the moon, Watergate scandal, opening of the Sears Tower, and the internet.

He lived an extraordinary ninety-six years. He started working as a tool and die maker in his early years. He had over twenty jobs throughout his life in which he lived and traveled across the United States. He was working at “Steel CO” in Chicago when he decided to walk across the street and have some ice cream at the Walgreen's fountain bar. Mary happened to serve him ice cream that day and the rest is history. He asked Mary to marry him and they wed on February 9th, 1947 at St. John of God church. He told everyone, even to this day, he was the luckiest man in the world because she married him. Russell bore two children Russell J. and Michele. They resided at 64th street until he started a construction business and built his own home for his family on 59th Street in 1953. This is where he would live for the rest of his life. He started selling pots and pans door to door at first. He then progressed to selling vacuum cleaners door to door as well, which became his staple business. He told Mary he did not want to work for anyone so he opened his own vacuum cleaner business out of his home named “National Distributors”. It was with this business that he was exceedingly successful. This allowed him not only to support his family, but also to travel from Paris to South America to Switzerland to Acapulco and other countless countries. If he was here he would definitely tell you he never made “on time payments” either!
My grandfather was also an avid inventor. From the spinning chandelier in the living room to the first paten on the steam cleaner vacuum he was an exceptionally innovative man with a 6th grade education (he made sure you knew that too).

He was one of a kind. He taught me that anything is possible and everything can be fixed. He will always have a deep and lasting impact on my life.
Grandpa, I hope to become half the person you were. We will all miss you very much, especially your wit, humor and love. Let us celebrate Russell's life and continue his legacy.

-Tiffany Budzinski

October 11, 2014

Aunt Mary, Rusty and Michelle, our condolences to you at this time. I remember Uncle Russell being very kind to my mom when she was ill. I always appreciated that.

Gerry, Mary, Matt, Nick and Lucas Glomb

October 11, 2014

Tiffany,
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I know by the way you frequently spoke of him he has been a special person in your life. The memory photos are priceless, a man who celebrated with family and friends! My prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Pettit

Michele Daker

October 11, 2014

My dear Dad, all I want to do is see one more time. I guess we thought you would live forever. I miss our morning talks that is the hardest time I am having not seeing you anymore in the morning. I have to say you lived a full life and enjoyed it. I miss you dad and love you very much.

Neal and Lovie Glomb

October 10, 2014

Aunt Mary, Rusty, Michelle, and Grandkids,

We were saddened to hear about your Dad. We know that his suffering is now over and he is in a better place. Take comfort in family and friends to help support you. Our continued thoughts and prayers remain with you during this difficult time.

Love, Lovie, Neal and Matthew

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