Algerd A. Brazis, age 92, beloved husband of Aldona, nee Sokas; loving father of Beverly (William) Opelka, Donna Raymond, Marilyn Klecka and Susan (Gerald) Pines; cherished grandfather of Cheryl, Elissa, Michael, Vanessa, Marissa, Stephanie, Loren and Lindsay and dearest great-grandfather of Max, Heidi, Marlena, Robby, Gia and Madison; dear brother of Olga Schulfer. As a lyric baritone, Algerd Brazis grew to have a rich and accomplished operatic career. He was most recognized for his 31 years with the Chicago Lithuanian Opera Company and at the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York, where he sang an amazing 275 performances in a three year span. Additionally, there were leading roles with the Chicago Civic Opera Company, the New York San Carlo Opera Company in Chicago and as a soloist with the Knights of Lithuania Choir. His recital at Carnegie Hall in 1951 was a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. An integral part of his musical life was being accompanied by his beautiful wife, Aldona, a talented pianist. He also served in the tank corps of the United States Army during World War II. Al, as he was affectionately known, was a beloved and respected member of The Chicago Lithuanian Opera Company, The Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post #986, The Balzekas Museum, The Lithuanian Alliance of America, The Knights of Columbus and an Honorary Member of The Knights of Lithuania. Al was the recipient of the Gediminas Award presented to him by Valdas Adamkus, the President of Lithuania, acknowledging his musical contributions and community service. This honor was bestowed in July of 2006 at the Lithuanian Song Festival in Chicago, attended by thousands of Lithuanians from all over the world. Visitation Monday, April 9, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Funeral Tuesday, April 10, lying in repose from 9:30 a.m. to time of Mass 10:30 a.m., at Nativity BVM Church, 6912 South Washtenaw, Chicago. Interment at St. Casimir Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The United Lithuanian Relief Fund (BALFAS), 4545 West 63rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60629; the Lithuanian Opera Company, 7117 South Mozart, Chicago, IL, 60629; or Sisters of St. Casimir Infirmary, 2601 West Marquette Road, Chicago, IL, 60629. Express your thought and memories in the online Guest Book at www.palosgaidasfh.com 708-974-4410 .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rev. Charles Fanelli
April 17, 2007
Dear Brazis Family,
On the part of my Mother, Luigina Fanelli, I extend to all our family's prayers and deepest condolences. We fondly remember his concerts at Nativity Church and even family occasions and celebrations. May he be rewarded for all his serviceto the church and may he rest in peace of God his Father.
Catherine Kogut-Simon
April 10, 2007
To the Brazis Family -
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Al. I had the priviledge of singing with him in the Lithuanian opera in the '70's and '80's. He was always so kind and helpful - like a uncle. I'm sure his voice is gracing the heavenly choirs now.
Simonetta Pacek
April 9, 2007
I was very proud to have Al Brazis for my Godfather. I will miss him very much. I will never forget the Ave Maria that he sang at my wedding. It was very beautiful and many were touched by his wonderful voice. He will always be in my family's prayers.+
Vera & Benedict Mitkus
April 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy
Diane Roth
April 9, 2007
Suzi,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He sounds like he was a wonderful guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Daniel McCarthy
April 9, 2007
The McCarthy/Brazis family was very sad to hear about our revered Uncle Al passing away. Al's memory will live on in the lives of those he touched. This past Easter Sunday, my family spent time recollecting how a very special man touched each of our lives. His gracious smile, open arms, and resonant voice will be dearly missed.
Suzanne Gillispie-Olszewski
April 9, 2007
Marilyn and Susan,
I believe that we went to Roberts Park School together. I am Suzie Gillispie, Vera's little sister. If you are the Brazis that I remember, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please contact me. We can walk down memory lane and catch up a little, 219-663-8775.
Rev. Donald Petraitis, MIC
April 9, 2007
Al was a good man and loved by everyone. Sincere condolences to his family with an assurance of prayers, especially at the altar.
Rev. Donald Petraitis
April 9, 2007
Al was a good man who loved everyone. Sincere condolences to his family with an assurance of prayers, especially at the altar.
Rob
April 9, 2007
Aldona,
Know that Al will always be with us in spirit. He always made you feel welcome and never said "No". I can't imaging where the Knights of Lithania Mid-America District would be if it wasn't for his enthusiasm and hard work. He was a good friend to all of us and we will miss him.
My deepest sympathies to you, Beverly, Susan, Marilyn and Donna and thier families. He was one in a million.
Gene Byrne
April 7, 2007
I sang in St.Catherine of Siena's choir, as a grammar school student, in the 40's. To this day I remember and can still hear,in my head,the wonderful voice of Algerd Brazis.
His kindness and his voice will be missed.
BERNARD & JACQUELINE GERCIUS
April 5, 2007
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Mark Heller
April 5, 2007
Beverly,
Peace be to you. I have the fondest of memories of your father. At first, hearing about him through stories the family told and then meeting him and seeing first hand and feeling the embrace of his smile and effervescent charm.
I'll never forget the afternoon I had with him the first time visiting Chicago after being "Just Married." to his grandaughter. Al decided to take me out to collect rents and show me around. Just he and I! He showed me the old Tavern, the Lithuanian quarter and some of his land holdings. we collected rents and had a "pop" in a local bar. Al shared everything with me. Everywhere we went, Al was greeted with a hearty smile and a big wave. He was special and I felt special being around him. That day, Al Brazis embraced me into the family 100%
When I left that morning with Al, I was Mark Heller. By that afternoon, I had transformed to the honorable grandson -in-law. I was the newest, most welcomed family member to the Brazis clan.
I know how that my wonderful experience that day was not unique. I'm quite sure that everyone who has entered Al's life or joined the family, has experienced these same feelings.
It was Al and his expressions of love and acceptance to outsiders that was unique. That is what I experienced and will miss most.
It is that spirit that I wish to honor and pass through to my children.
From my Heart,
Mark Heller
Jim Bowman
April 5, 2007
How well I remember Algerd Brazis, as soloist with the St. Catherine of Siena choir in Oak Park in the 40s, when I was a St. Catherine's student and a member. He would rise on his toes while singing. Marvelous voice, very pleasant man.
Marcia Jacobson
April 5, 2007
Marilyn: my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
David Gaidas and Family
April 5, 2007
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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