Joseph M. Judickas Jr.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Joseph M. Judickas, Jr., 96, passed away peacefully at Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Palos Heights, Illinois after a brief illness. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he graduated from Kelly High School in 1948 and served in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953 as an Army Sergeant First Class. He survived brutal frontline combat with the 2 nd Battalion – 38 th Infantry and earned the Combat Infantry Badge. He was also decorated with a Presidential Unit citation. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Geraldine (Pesek) Judickas and together they had 7 children. He attended the American Savings & Loan Institute and started his career at Damen Savings & Loan as an Executive Vice President & Loan Officer. HelLater moved to Gage Park Savings & Loan where he was Secretary Treasurer and Managing Officer. He retired in 1993 but continued to served on the Gage Park Board of Directors for an additional ten years. He also had interest in real estate and finance. He was a member of the Southwest Realty Board; partner with the construction firm KayJay Builders; and formed his own insurance brokerage, The Judickas Agency. Joe was also a continuous member of the American Legion Post 271 for over 60 years. When he wasn’t busy working or raising a family, Joe enjoyed bowling, golf, and tennis. He also developed long-lasting relationships with those who shared his interests. Family was always very important to Joe. He and his wife would host holiday celebrations and an annual family reunion pool party with extended family so aunts, uncles and cousins could form lasting bonds. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joeseph M. Judickas, Sr., and Marie (Stogis) Judickas; Sister Sylivia (Judickas) Lester; brother Leonard Judickas; two sons, Joesph M. Judickas, III and Troy Judickas; as well as his wife of 66 years, Geraldine. He leaves behind 5 adult children and their spouses, Grant (Rose) Judickas; Keith (Marcia) Judickas; Victoria (Reed) Reilly; Peter (Colleen) Judickas; Dean (Nancy) Judickas; 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren (with another on the way). As a devoted Catholic, faith and duty to the Church were paramount to Joe. We take comfort in knowing he’s in the company of his wife again, together with the Lord.

The family will host a Visitation on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 127 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, IL. Funeral Tuesday, June 16th, (Times and Location to be announced). A burial will immediately follow the service at St. Casimir’s. For more information and to sign the guestbook: www.becvarfuneralhome.com or (708) 824-9000.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Crohn’s and Colitis organization (https://takesteps.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/participants/Emma-Judickas)