Death Notices

Rush, Michael J.

U.S. Navy Veteran, late of Palos

Park. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen nee Dilley; devoted father of Michelle (Christopher) Toppi, Kirstie (Jeffrey) Stuckey, and Mary (Joseph) Duffy; amazing grandfather of Gavin, Brenden, Ryan, Owen, Griffin, Charlie, and Ireland; loving brother of Theresa Rush, the late James Rush, Thomas Rush, Bernice Rayner, and Joan Shinnick; kind uncle of

many nieces and nephews. Mike was born in Chicago in 1938 into a crowded home of two Irish immigrants and was immediately referred to as “the baby” for years. He grew up roaming the streets of Canaryville, often sporting a black eye. He gave his parents many gray hairs, before entering the Navy. Things slowed down the night he met Kathy and he settled into the role of husband, and soon after, father of three daughters. They moved to the suburbs where Mike spent 35 years working at Commonwealth Edison and driving to dance classes, softball practices and school events. Mike lost his only love to breast cancer in 2000 and it could have broke him, but a grandson arrived the same year and changed his life forever. Then six more grandchildren followed and he mastered his role as Grandpa. He shared an unbelievable bond with his “knuckleheads” and passed on his intelligence and his wit to them. Those who knew Mike the longest say he is an example that

you evolve during your life, and that he embodied the term “family man”. This week Mike would have turned 83 years old. We are so happy that he is able to celebrate with Kathy, his parents and siblings again. Happy Birthday Mike, we will miss you. Memorial Visitation Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Mass at noon, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 15050 Wolf Rd., Orland Park. Private Inurnment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In remembrance of Mike’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Danny Did Foundation (www.dannydid.org). Arrangements entrusted to Thornridge Funeral Home 708-460-2300 or thornridgefuneralhomes.com

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Michael

J. Rush,