Raymond “Ray” Veselik
Raymond “Ray” Veselik, age 84, of Hinsdale. Beloved husband of 53 years to the late Judy Veselik (nee LeFevour). Loving father of eight children: Keith (Mary Rose), Scott (Anne), Jennifer Bourjaily (John), Craig (Leslie Butler), Randy, David (Anne), Jill, and Jamie Walker (Mark); 27 grandchildren: Kevin (Teresa), Meaghan Klump (Kyle), Mary Kate Taulman (Jason), Claire (John Richardson), Michael (Samantha Booth), Jack (Elle), Brent (Crystal), Tim (Danielle Raviele), Dan, Anna Reed (Rob), Katie Bourjaily, Caroline Bourjaily, Janelle, Andrew, Ashley, Trey, Corey, Bella, Gabi, Sydney, Avery, Raymond, Eleanor, Thomas, Marudith, Charles Walker, Collins Walker; and 16 great-grandchildren: Henry, Charlie, Ollie, Teddy, Liam, Emma, Jack, Luke, Thomas, Andrew, Daisy, Jolene, Mack, Lola, Tabitha, and Patrick; and favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Emil and Lillian, and siblings Charlotte (Tom), Frank and Shirley. After working several jobs during the early years of his marriage including teaching high school and repossessing cars, Ray found his true calling in life insurance, building a successful business for over 40 years, earning Mutual of New York’s National Man of the Year award in 1985. When Ray wasn’t working, he spent much of his time coaching youth sports or serving on the board of directors at Benet Academy. Completely devoted to his ever-growing family, his friends, and his faith, Ray was a true Southsider and ardent White Sox fan. He was a graduate of Christ the King, Quigley Seminary, and Loyola University Chicago. And make no mistake, if there was fun to be had, Ray was usually right in the middle of it. Whether it be tailgating at Notre Dame football games, golfing at Ruth Lake Country Club, or spending quality time with his family in Lake Geneva and Hilton Head Island, Ray (AKA “The Big Kahuna”) always made sure everyone was having a good time. His impact on those who knew him is immeasurable and his legacy will last for generations. Visitation from 3-8 pm on Tuesday, May 7 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral Mass at 10 am on Wednesday, May 8 at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 306 W 4th St., Hinsdale. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Ray’s name to Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL 60532, or to the Medical Education Scholarship at Almost Home Kids, 7S721 Route 53, Naperville, IL 60540. Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
I first knew Ray as a fellow Quigley seminarian, and then as the parent and grandparent of a gaggle of young adults one met seemingly everywhere. He and Judy and they enlivened the Catholic schools, golf courses and other popular venues in the Western Suburbs. Well done, dear Ray. Fr. Bill O’Shea
sending love and prayers for the whole Veselik family
A very kind man with a wonderful family.
From the Esposito family.
What memories we have of Ray, Judy, and the Veselik family!! We had so many enjoyable times together. We will always remember Ray’s devotion to his family and friends and be forever grateful for our friendship with the Veselik family. Much love from Bonny and Bart
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Veselik family. Ray was one of the funniest and most sweet man I have ever known. He certainly made the world a better place. Special HUGS to Dr Keith Veselik.
May he RIP
Mary Ellen Strang
Burr Ridge Primary Care
I’m grateful to Ray for many things in my life. He coached me as a kid-he was always the coach with the soft heart. Then years later he convinced me to join MONY that turned out to be a blessing in my life. While at MONY he saw things in me that I did not see-yet I believed him and because of the belief that he had way before I had any-led to opportunities that were beyond my imaginings when I first came abord at MONY. All these many years later, periodically I will still tell a Ray story within our office. He was a one of a kind. I’m grateful that I knew him and pray Christ’s blessings upon the Veselik family during this time.
Thoughts and Prayers to the whole family 🙏. I had the pleasure of working for Ray first at Mutual of New York and then at Midwest Capital. He was an amazing man and will be missed!
I know he was a good man. I work in the Metro Where his daughter lives named Jill and she’s a wonderful lady The sea is not far from the ocean..
I first met Ray when we moved to Hinsdale one house and across the street from him .He was walking his dog, Chief, when the dog bolted from the leash, knocked me down and bit me. I was holding my infant son and worried about him. Ray came over and calmed my hysteria. He was a master at making you feel like all was okay since he had all this experience with children. By the time he moved his house was like “Old Mother Hubbards.” He really mastered the art of taking care of children. Ray was a special man and with Judy he proudly raised a wonderful family and donated his time to St. Isaac Jogues School and sports programs. How lucky we were that our kids attended the same school at the same time. Ray will be missed greatly and my family and I will say special prayers for all the Veseliks.
What can you say about the Big Kahuna. He was beloved brother of my mom. A advisor to our family. He had a heart as big as the world. He always looked to the best in everyone he met. He made Emil and Lillian proud. He was proud of his family and his family kept him busy until the end. He will be missed.