Wayne B. Koral

Wayne B. Koral born June 23, 1944, passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and deep connections with those around him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Elizabeth Isom; cherished sons, Aaron and Scott; daughter-in-law, Angie; and beloved granddaughter, Nevaeh. Wayne also leaves behind a sister-in-law, nieces, dear friends Shelly Strauss, Joan Zelinski, Audi Mikeas, and Sylvester-the cat who can do no wrong.

Born to Sam Koral and Esther Fox (née Fuchs), Wayne and his brother Leonard spent their formative years in Chicago. Wayne was renowned for gathering friends and family, often experimenting in the kitchen to create lavish meals. His sentimental side shone through when listening to his nieces sing Christmas songs, enjoying the unconditional love of his pets, and seeing his granddaughter's smile.

A Chicago police officer for 28 years, Wayne was known for his unwavering sense of duty and commitment to the community, including the residents he served in the Austin District and Cabrini-Green. He later served as a police liaison for the Chicago Public Library, where he met Mary Elizabeth at the Rogers Park branch.

Wayne's passion for basketball was shared by his entire family. He coached at the Bernard Horwich JCC, and some of the players continued to keep in touch long into their adulthood. In his day, Wayne was a formidable defensive player, once humorously depicted by a friend in a cartoon sharpening his elbows, a testament to his tenacity on the court. Known for his humor, he often quipped, "Never do today what you can do tomorrow, for when you die, you will have saved a day's work."

Wayne's presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A memorial service is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ACLU in Wayne's honor. The family expresses their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.