Jon Dvorak
Jon Vincent Dvorak, 64, died Wednesday January 24, 2024 in his home in Amboy, Illinois.
Beloved son of Orlando Rivera Cabanban and the late Beatrice D. Cabanban; cherished brother of Linda (Tim Rochford) Cabanban, Christopher (Paula), and Gretchen (Bill) Hamilton; fond uncle of Madeline (Ben) Zibricky, Kacey Cabanban, Rebecca (Isaac) Bustos, Kallie Cabanban, Ali and Will Hamilton.
Born In Champaign, Illinois, the son of Beatrice Dvorak Cabanban and Orlando Rivera Cabanban. He grew up in Oak Park, Illinois where his father frequently took him to watch the planes at O’Hare Airport. It is here at a very young age where he developed a passion for flying. He attended Oak Park River Forest High School, and attained his private pilot’s license at sixteen years of age. Graduating one year early after his Oak Park River Forest Hockey Team won the State Championships in 1976, He went on to the University of Illinois at Champaign for three and a half years and finished his Bachelors of Science Degree at Illinois State. After earning enough hours as a flight instructor at Culver Academy he flew for Morris Air, Britt Airways, Midway Airlines and became a Captain for Southwest Airlines until his retirement in 2014.
He was married for twenty seven years and not having any children of his own he was a wonderful uncle and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.
A die hard Chicago fan to the core his collection of Blackhawk and White Sox memorabilia is vast. Jon was nostalgic and passionate about collecting numerous mementos from his childhood, sports teams, airlines, railroads, coins, foreign currency, classic cars and from his many world travels.
He inherited a joy for nature and hiking from his parents and the numerous trips taken during childhood.
His favorite pastime was sharing his great sense of humor with his wonderful circle of many friends. These friendships he cherished near and dear to his heart.
In 2021 he purchased his dream house, a beautiful farmette in Amboy, Illinois with a historic landmark home he filled with antiques.
His services will be held at Hallowell and James Funeral Home in Countryside, Illinois on February 3, 2024. Visitation is 9-12am, Service 12-12:30. Private internment.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Bohemian National Cemetery are greatly appreciated.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Jon was the true professional, he always looked the part and acted the part. He loved the University of Illinois aviation department and would visit them frequently. He flew for several airlines and I am sure he loved them all. He loved flying, it, was obvious in his demeanor and skills. He was a pilot’s pilot.
Jon Dvorak will be missed
Thank you Mr. Freeman. Your kind words mean so much to us. I know he thought the world of you!
Ii knew Jon well because we flew for three airlines together for most of our careers ending with Southwest Airlines. He was a true gentleman, accomplished and safe pilot and an overall great friend we will all miss.
Thank you Harry. It is comforting to hear about your friendship with Jon.
Jon was a friend to all. I remember how it always seemed so easy for him to have a conversation with strangers whether it was in a bar, train or on a plane. I travelled with him to Edinburgh and London and we nicknamed him “Papa Duck” as he would lead us around to all the sights and places he loved and we would follow him like baby ducks. He had a big heart and will be missed.
Thank you Rachael for sharing these wonderful memories of Jon.
I knew John at Midway Morris Air. I got to know John even better at Morris Air due being matched as Sim Partners. John was a true Gentleman and great flyer. John will be greatly missed. Blue Sky’s and strong Tailwinds John.
Thank you Greg. Your kind words are comforting.
Jon was a dear friend who will be truly missed.
Thank you Tammy.
I met Jon in 1994 while we were working at Southwest Airlines. And I echo the comments about his being the consummate professional pilot. But he was so much more than that.
He loved Chicago and taught me the history of the city. He converted me to the White Sox cause and we had season tickets for a number of years. We shared the joy of the 2005 World Series – his joy was unbridled when the Sox won the final game of the Series.
Beyond that, he was a loyal and trusted friend. The world was a better place while Jon was in it. We are all diminished by his passing.
Ruperto Alba
Ruperto, it is really nice to read all these sentiments about Jon. Thank you for sharing.
Ruperto, it is really nice to read all these sentiments about Jon. He was certainly a die hard Sox fan. I am glad you shared those times with him.
If you looked up the term “great guy” in the dictionary, Jon’s picture would be next to it. He was one of the finest men I have ever known. I cherish the memories I have of Jon from Three day pairings to Yankees/ White Sox games. His guided tour of Chicago will be the talk of my wife and children for years to come. My entire family shall miss him and his friendship. Semper Fi, Jon.
Bill, thank you for sharing your memories of Jon. He certainly had a strong core group of friends that cared for him deeply.
Jon was my brother in law. He was always so kind to all of us. He loved being with his nieces and nephews and he was always interested in what they were doing. I pray for peace and comfort for his family during this difficult time.
Thank you Cheryle. We love Natalie so much. We will always consider you all family and love you!
I am so saddened to learn of Jon’s passing. I had the pleasure of flying with him at Midway Airlines in the late 1980’s. He was a fine gentleman, a good pilot and and very enjoyable to share a cockpit with. Occasionally I would run into him later at Southwest and always felt better after seeing him. My sincerest condolences to his family and many friends.
Thank you Bob. He loved his airline families so much.
Jon was a friend to everyone who knew him. His sense of humor was known and enjoyed! Jon was one of the most genuinely inquisitive people I have known, always wanting to learn about people, places (even train tunnels…..), and of course everything aviation. As a friend and roommate at U of I, we enjoyed many good times together. Jon and I were the cooks in our rental house occupied by 5 Institute of Aviation students. Every night we all sat down to a home cooked meal where the discussions were wide ranging and always came back around to airplanes.
While our interactions in later years were fewer because of distance, it was easy each time striking up an enjoyable conversation. He was loved and will be missed!
Thank you Ray! We absolutely love to hear these stories.
Sally Reesman & Penny Colton says:
Jon will always be cherished in our memory, a childhood friend, a little brother 5 years younger than myself and 9 years younger than my sister Penny. We were always so impressed with Jon, so thoughtful, fun and accomplished, Throughout the many last 64 years I Sally have often thought of Jon with fondness. Jon visited us when we moved to Toronto in 1973 on King and Spadina We were so proud and touched Penny and I that Jon thought of us and stopped by for a visit We felt that we had been visited by royalty. I was always so impressed with Jon’s passion for flying which never diminished and how he pursued his dreams and became a pilot at a young age.
Jon was so loved and cherished. Our prayers for Jon, his family and friends.