THOMAS "HAPPY" BURI

VERNON HILLS - Chapel service for Thomas "Happy" Buri, 91, is at 1:00 PM. Friday January 10, 2014 at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, IL. Interment will follow. He was born January 17, 1922 in Stamora, Romania and died January 4, 2014. Thomas became a U.S. Citizen in 1929, married his soul mate Josephine Ann Buri (nee Lump) in 1942 and was a loving father to 6 children. Tom grew up in Chicago and led an interesting life there; even having a few beers with Al Capone and his men! Moved to Grayslake, IL. and continued his story at The Park in Vernon Hills, IL. He was a TRUE AMERICAN who honored his country by serving in the US Army during WWII as a Radio Operator, Cannoneer and Rifle Marksman. After the war he made his career as a machine operator at L.C. Kohlmann Co. and held other jobs including being a Jewel greeter in Mundelein till the age of 83, when he retired to devote 110% of his time caring for his disabled wife. Tom is best known for his kindness, smiling eyes and daily greeting of "HAPPY whatever Day". He is survived by his daughters Judith (Dave) Winston, Cynthia Buri-Durall, adopted daughter and caregiver Lynda (Craig) Hunter, daughter in law Marion Buri, sister Mary Helen Buri (Christine Guasta), niece Rhonda (Ed) Fedash, nephew Bernard (Shannon) Lump, 12 grandchildren: Tonya (Alex), Robyn (Adrian), Lisa (Mike), Jeremy (Danielle), Joey (Shannon), Cynthia, Jamie, James Jr., Jennifer, Sarah, Jack & Cole, 10 great-grandchildren: Lindsay, Zachary, David, Thomas, Abigale, Rose, Jashua, Gianne, Christian and Destiny. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Mary (nee Alstedtler) Buri, his wife Josephine, son Thomas Buri, Jr., sister Evelyn Ann Buri, Brother John Buri. Tom was loved by all who met him and leaves his relatives and dear friends with many happy memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. For information, visit www.kristanfuneralhome.com or call 847-566-8020.