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James Friel Obituary
James J. Friel, age 90, of Chicago, IL, passed away June 21, 2025. Over 60 years, he was a proud Chicago Firefighter, member of Local 2, a member of the Brotherhood of the Barrel, and a member of the Gaelic Fire Brigade. James was extremely social and could strike up a conversation with just about anybody. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Loving husband of the late Ruth Friel. Beloved father of James (Maryellyn) Friel, Stephen (Anita) Friel, the late Eileen (Dan) Opferman, David Friel, Kathleen (Gus) Skapek, and Jennifer (Mike) Greene. Cherished grandfather of 19 grandchildren. Cherished great-grandfather of 5 great-grandchildren. Caring brother of Michael, Ann, Margie, the late Theresa, Jack, George, Tommy, and Andy. Dear son of the late James and the late Anna Friel. Kind uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation, Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Ave. Tinley Park, IL 60477. Prayers at the Funeral Home, Friday, June 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to St. George Church for 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s's Children's Research Hospital. For more information (708) 532-1635 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com
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17248 South Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477
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