Gerald J. Tazic
Gerald J. Tazic, age 72, of La Grange, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. He was surrounded by his family in his final days. Born on November 7, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois he was the son of the late William Gregory Tazic, Sr. and Mary Winifred (Kilroy) Tazic.
Gerald (Jerry) graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School in 1964 and Lewis University in 1968. He was a dedicated teacher and youth mentor. From 1971 – 2004 he taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math and Science, ending his career as Assistant Principal at John. W. Cook Elementary School located on Chicago’s southside. There, he inspired his students leading many of them to the Illinois State Science Fair. He helped implement the after-school program extending the school day to further enrich his student’s lives.
In his free time, Jerry lived an active and social life. He was a dedicated father, basketball coach and volunteer. He enjoyed playing golf with his dear friends, water and snow skiing and perfecting his garden. Jerry spent much of his time at his family cottage in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where he found great joy in hiking, boating and fishing.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years Mary Beth; sons Michael (Aimee) Tazic and Steven (Emily) Tazic; daughter Lauren (Kevin) Desmond; twin sister Mary Joscelyn; and nine grandchildren, Ian, Caitlyn, Adelenne, Jane, Teddy, Violet, Ryan, Nora and John. Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Brian and Bill Tazic and his brother-in-law, Austin (Lyn) Joscelyn.
A special thank you to the caregivers at Sunrise of Willowbrook for their loving care and support during his final years.
A celebration mass will be held on September 29th, 2018 at 10 am at St. Francis Xavier in La Grange; 124 N. Spring Ave, La Grange, IL. Friends may visit the family from 3 pm – 9 pm on Friday, September 28th at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL.. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Misericordia Home. https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/
So many memories of laughter, learning, challenges, guidance, card games, boat rides, and always leading by example with my dearest cousin through the years. Thank you for all of it. You will be missed dearly – by many – and will live on with all you gave. RIP Gerry.
A great man and a excellent teacher. Continue to Rest. Cook Cougars for life!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time.
My favorite memory. was after we went out for his dad funeral He took mom and I up to Lake Geneva and we went out in boat around the lake Then let me drive boat awhile then got mom to drive to for awhile
I remember when his dad passed away mom and I went out for funeral Then a few days after funeral He took us up to Lake Geneva and took us out for boat ride and. Let me drive the boat for awhile first time I ever drove a boat and then had Mom drive it for awhile
Our deepest condolences Lauren . You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers xo
Gerry left a loving, beautiful family, and that is his legacy. He is now at peace.
I worked many years with Gerald at John W Cook Elementary School. I found him to very caring with his students and the staff at Cook School. I’m truly sorry to learn of his passing.
Mr Tazic was my 8th grade teacher at John W Cook back in 78 & I’m so thankful & gratful to have had such a great teacher . I also injoyed our talks after I got older & would visit him from time to time.
Mr. Tazic was my 8th grade teacher in 89/90. He was a great teacher. Very passionate… especially with math. My condolences to the family.
I concur..Mr.Tazic was an awesome teacher. He was a man with great morals and values . He was my Science teacher from 89/90. My condolences to the family.
Mr. Tazi was an awesome teacher. He was caring and very stern. He was extremely passionate about his job and dedicated. Thank you! May he rest well and God bless the entire family. I live right here in La Grange, wished I ran into you over the years.
John W. Cook Student
Our sympathy and special prayers for Mr. Tazic and all his friends and family.
We will miss our teammate and friend Gerry on the Old Strokes softball team.
Rest in peace, Gerry. I am honored to have been your friend. Jim Quinn
So sorry to hear about Jerry. Love and warm thoughts during this difficult time.
Gerry was a Great Friend & Neighbor…Gerry will be missed by ALL from the softball days to seeing Gerry working on there 8th Ave. roof; our Deepest Sympathy to Mary Beth and Family, May God Bless Gerry & keep smiling down on us, Bernie & Sue Korzyniewski.
A wonderful cousin who always lived a distance away but for whom we have great admiration. A happy and fun loving guy who always worried about others to the exclusion of self. We enjoyed our time together playing golf and hanging out at Lake Geneva and renewing our family ties. I am certain that Jerry is the best line dancer in heaven. Hi ho Cowboy!
Jerry was a special friend and teacher at cook school. . He left. a profound. legacy with us. He will be missed but not forgotten
Mike, I am sorry for your loss; hoping you can find some peace. Take care
My siblings and I all graduated from Cook School.
We was honored to have met him . He was my favorite teacher of all time . Condolences to his wife and family .
Please accept my condolences. My prayers to the family. Mr. Tazic was my Math Teacher, at John W. Cook Elementary School. Early on, I struggled with math. He made it simpler. I went on to attend Whitney Young H.S., and later became an Accounting major in college. I attribute much of this to Mr. Tazic. He touched many lives, in such a great way. May he rest in peace. God bless.
This man POURED his entire soul out of un in John W. COOK school! “They don’t make em like him ANYMORE!” RIP MR. TAZIC! THANK YOU!
I worked with Tazic, as we affectionately called him, at Cook School. He was always such a kind, helpful and caring person and teacher. My condolences go out to his wife and family. May God bless you and keep you.
Wow.. Mr Tazic was indeed a wonderful and dedicated teacher! As a child sitting in his science class I often felt inspired and encouraged by his gentle style. Mr. Tazic helped me to perfect my poster board and my science project year after year! Thank you Mr. Tazic for your hard work and dedication to so many of us.. Well done good and faithful servant take your rest!
I worked with Mr Tazic at John W. Cook Elementary. I only knew him as the assistant principal. I remember his helpful advice to me concerning Cook school students. He was always with a smile on his face.
I send my condolences to his family and may he Rest In Peace.
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Psalms 25:1
Mr. Tazic was my teacher from 1998/1990. It was a great privilege to have known him. I have so many great memories. I want to say thank you so much for being such a passionate teacher. You will never be forgotten. My condolences to the family.
Mr. Tazic was my brother(1977), my sister(1978) and my 8th grade math teacher(1984). He was an awesome teacher and a great, sweet man. He will truly be missed and the Hart family sends their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this great man. Be blessed and rest well Mr. Tazic.
Oh my God, I really can’t believe this..he was most definitely my only favorite teacher, in eighth grade, he taught me real Well and it was an honor for him meeting and being a great Assistant Principal, towards my two son’s for their time being students at John E. Cook School, you really will be missed..I was really looking forward to him seeing and knowing about what my kids have established in life, this far….I really was looking forward to seeing in the near future if the President PTA, position would be still available, because I know very well and very good that he would have been the very most proud of me knowing that I was fit for the job long ago, as if I was walking directly in to my late great deceased mom who also lead the way as being a great PTA, opponent..I love you, Mr. G. Tazic!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful Memories Of Mr. Tazic.
Our Deepest Condolences To The Family.
I worked with Mr. Tazic at Cook School.
He Will Always Be In Our Hearts.
I played basketball with Jerry in the St. Francis gym on Sunday nights for many years. I quit at age 50 but he kept going! Also played with son Mike. Jerry was passionate about his family, sports, and the Cowboys. My condolences to Jerry’s family.
My family has the cottage next door to the Tazic’s in Lake Geneva and we’ve been summer neighbor’s for over 30 years. I’ve watched Jerry’s children grow up and now have families of their own. His sister, Mary, kept us up to date with Jerry’s declining health so while the news was not a surprise, it was still sad. Our thoughts and prayers are of the family at this time. May your memories warm your hearts and keep his spirit a part of your lives forever.
After reading the kind words above, I would like to express my gratitude for Gerry’s patience and positive attitude. Mr. Tazic was my eighth grade teacher at Holy Redeemer during the 1970-71 school year. I misbehaved and tried to manipulate him. However, he was forgiving and still had faith in me. Years later, I became a teacher with the Chicago Public Schools. Today I strive to be patient and positive with my students as Gerry was with me
Thank you Gerry. Godspeed
I remember when I left Cook School and came back he welcomed me back with open arms and encouraged me to do good . He was a great mentor and I will never forget his words of encouragement RIH Mr TAZIC
Great Teacher R.I.P