Obituary for John R. Daraska
John R. Daraska, 81, January 13, 2021, lifetime resident of the Southwest Side of Chicago, of Clearing neighborhood since 1985, formerly of Marquette Park, where he was born and raised; beloved husband of Jessie L. Ecker Daraska; devoted father of Julie Daraska (Tony Scheurich) and Richard Daraska; loving grandfather of Matthew and Margaret Balzekas; dear brother-in-law of Lois Carlson, Linda Kulikowski, and Patti Ecker.
John loved aviation since childhood and was a licensed commercial pilot. He also served in the military, of course in the U.S. Air Force. His lifelong career was in general aviation as an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. He established J&D Aviation Services in 1974 at Midway Airport and retired in 2001, continuing to work in aviation at Porter County, Indiana Airport and as an expert witness. In 2009 he received the FAA Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award for a perfect safety record for 50 consecutive years. He built a second home in Beverly Shores, Indiana with his wife in 1975 and became active in local politics, serving many years on the Beverly Shores Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission.
Private Family Services held at CENTRAL CHAPEL, 6158 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL, followed by cremation.
Contributions in memory of John to Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036, www.hospicefoundation.org .
Please visit JOHN R. DARASKA BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Info., 773-581-9000.
John loved aviation since childhood and was a licensed commercial pilot. He also served in the military, of course in the U.S. Air Force. His lifelong career was in general aviation as an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. He established J&D Aviation Services in 1974 at Midway Airport and retired in 2001, continuing to work in aviation at Porter County, Indiana Airport and as an expert witness. In 2009 he received the FAA Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award for a perfect safety record for 50 consecutive years. He built a second home in Beverly Shores, Indiana with his wife in 1975 and became active in local politics, serving many years on the Beverly Shores Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission.
Private Family Services held at CENTRAL CHAPEL, 6158 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL, followed by cremation.
Contributions in memory of John to Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036, www.hospicefoundation.org .
Please visit JOHN R. DARASKA BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Info., 773-581-9000.