Simon Sulaica Jr.

Simon Sulaica, Jr. Age 65, of Shorewood, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at home. Born May 12, 1945 in Saginaw, Michigan, he had resided in the Joliet/Shorewood area for many years, formerly of Toledo, Ohio. Simon, a decorated Marine Corp. Veteran who served in Vietnam (Chu Lai) with Suicide Charley Company 7th Marines, was officially retired from the Corp. on April 1, 1970 as a Sergeant E5. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart (Wounded in Action), Vietnamese Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Marksmanship Medal, Annual Infantry Squad Combat Practice Competition Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, Joliet, VFW Post 9545, New Lenox; was past Secretary and Treasurer Disabled American Veterans #103, Will County. Simon was also the Illinois Delegate to the 87th DAV National Convention in 2008, a board member of the VAC (Veterans Assistance Commission in Will County, instrumental in establishing a Children of Veterans Christmas Fund, VAC Chairman 's Award, I.B.O.W.W., and assisted with Toys for Tots (through the Marine Corp. League) at Gordon Biersch Rest. in Bolingbrook, and past Scout Master of Troop #18. Survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Gwendolyn "Wendy" (nee Richardson); children from first marriage, Dawn (Tim) Paquin, Jessica (John) Bays and Simon Sulaica III; proud grandfather of Amber Pennuto, Blake Paquin; Anthony, Hunter, Payton, and Dawson Sulaica; three sisters, Elena Jimenez, Juanita (Elmer) Weyandt, and Rosalinda (Val) Thayer; one brother, Jesse (Janie) Sulaica; brother-in-law, Larry (Jill) Richardson; two sisters-in-law, Peggy (James) Ongenae and Vickie Sulaica. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Teresa (nee Salazar) Sulaica; brother, Pablo Sulaica; and sister, Mary Trzonkowski. The Sulaica family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all those who, in Simon's words, "have held my hand" including Bill and Von Sukley, Don and Mary Caisley, Tom and Mary Therese Stefanech and all his brothers of his PTSD group. A special thank you to Joliet Area Community Hospice. Funeral Services for Simon Sulaica, Jr. will be Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Joliet Marine Corp League E2/14 or the DAV, New Lenox Chapter would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 2-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com