John D. Gonczy

John D. Gonczy, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on October 1, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, John was the treasured son of the late Joseph and Rose Gonczy (nee Farkas). His journey through life was marked by kindness, dedication, and an unfaltering love for his family and community. John's early years in Chicago laid the foundation for a life filled with achievement and deep personal connections. He found his calling as an engineer and dedicated over 34 years of his professional life to Argonne National Laboratory. There, he applied his brilliant mind and commitment to excellence, making lasting contributions to his field and forming lifelong friendships with his colleagues. John's heart, however, always belonged to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carey (nee Blackburn), who stood by his side through life's many seasons. Together, they nurtured a loving home and raised their daughter, Nikki Gonczy, who carries forward his legacy of integrity and love. Nikki and her partner, Raymond Rumpf, were a constant source of pride for John, who relished every moment spent with them. The Gonczy family bond was further enriched by John's brother, Joseph Gonczy, and his brother and sisters-in-law, Maureen (Mel) Kolbusz, Pat (Lee) Blackburn, and Erin Richards, who all held a special place in his heart. John was also a loving uncle to Shay Gonczy, Andrea Walczak, Genevieve McGarty, Laura Chambers, Elizabeth Kolbusz, Mary Hibberts, Sarah Battista, Jill Eartly, Claire Richards, Nora Richards, and Anne Jenkins. His role as a great uncle was a source of immense joy, as he cherished watching his great nieces and nephews grow, encouraging their every endeavor, especially their sports activities. In addition to his familial ties, John was predeceased by his dear siblings, Michael (the late Eileen) Gonczy and Diane (the late Tony) Zilius, whose memories he carried with profound love and respect. John's passions extended beyond his family and work. A hard worker at heart, he found tranquility in tending to his garden, which was a breathtaking sight each spring. His love for nature was further expressed through his joy in feeding all sorts of wildlife and his countless hours spent fishing. John's appreciation for the arts was evident in his enjoyment of poetry and dancing, activities that brought rhythm and grace to his life. His warmth and generosity extended to everyone in his neighborhood, where he was a cherished friend and confidant. John's gentle spirit and welcoming nature left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. A service to honor and celebrate John’s remarkable life will be held on April 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, located at 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by John are invited to join in remembrance of a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in John's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting his spirit of generosity and love for the beauty of life. John D. Gonczy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to those he loved, his profound kindness, and his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. His legacy will forever be a guiding light to those who had the privilege of knowing him.