Jack J. Bucalo

Jack J. Bucalo
HARLINGEN,TX
/CHICAGO, IL.-
Jack J. Bucalo, 79, who lived the majority of his life in the suburbs of Chicago, passed away on April 15, 2011 in Harlingen, TX.
Jack was born on February 15, 1932 in Rockford, IL, the third child of Joseph and Catherine (Barber) Bucalo. His mother died shortly after he was born, and he lost his father at age 12. Jack was reared by his maternal aunt, Mary (Barber) Rizzo, who encompassed him as one of her own. After graduating from High School, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Planz, in February of 1952.
Jack's main occupation during his life was in the automobile body repair business. Jack worked at several different auto dealerships as the Body Shop Manager before retiring. In addition to his primary work, Jack enjoyed spending time bowling and golfing with his friends. On Sundays, you would find Jack directing traffic as a reserve Police Officer for the Village of Wheeling. He also served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America.
In 1997, Jack moved to Harlingen where he resided with Marilyn McCarty, who became his full-time companion and eventually, as his health failed, his devoted caregiver until his death.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother and sister, Mark and Josephine.
He is survived by his former wife Arlene Kraus, their sons: Tom (Jackie), Joe (Liz), Dennis (Tena), and Mark (Colleen); grandchildren: Dana (Peter) Johnson, Neil (Becky) Bucalo, Scott Bucalo, Matt Bucalo, Nicole Bucalo, Dustin Bucalo, Kyle Bucalo, and Anne Bucalo; great grandchild Katlyn Johnson; and his dog, Cookie.
Jack will be honored with a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 23, 2011, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, at the Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, IL.
Individual Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
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