Dr. John J. Simonaitis, Jr., M.D. passed peacefully in his sleep at age 90. He was a USAF Veteran and a longtime physician at the Elmhurst Clinic and the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. But more than anything else, John was a good man who loved his family dearly. John was born in Chicago on June 1, 1934. He grew up a proud Lithuanian in the Marquette Park neighborhood, and his family belonged to the Roman Catholic Nativity BVM Parish. John had an adventuresome spirit, and he said that he got safely through life with the help of guardian angels. Although John meant angels from heaven, his older sisters Katy and Leonarda watched out for him, too. After marrying Grace, he joined the Air Force, and they lived in multiple states as their family grew. When he left the Air Force in 1969, the family moved to Elmhurst. John was a dedicated doctor, but he managed to go home for dinner every day between 5-6 o’clock, even when he needed to go back to work in the evening. The seven children waited for Dad, and most meals ended with reports of the day, stories, and laughter. John often reminded his children that all seasons of life were “the best years of your life,” and his dearest hope was to be in heaven with all his loved ones. He and Grace attended Mass regularly, and they loved to pray the rosary together. He also traveled the world with Grace, a travel agent who guided him from one place to the next. He sailed Egret on Lake Michigan with friends and family. He initiated interesting conversations with everyone, often adding momentum by asking one considered question after another. He and Grace were committed parents, going to all their children’s events. Even when the children were grown and having children of their own, John and Grace remained involved. They also found time to slip away to their place in Galena for restful breaks.
John was dearly loved and will be forever cherished. He lived a full life. He was a good man. John passed away on February 13, 2025. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Grace A., nee Gozder; by his children Mary (Thomas Jr) Sanders, Ann (Jim Yarbrough) LeRose, Susan, John III., Alice (Steve) Miller, Diane and William (Kathleen) Simonaitis; his grandchildren Claude (Emily) LeRose, Catherine (Slaton) Hoffner, David Nelson, Kate Sanders, Patrick Simonaitis, Ruth (Scott) Moore, Bennett (Jordan) Sanders, Carly, John, Parker and William Simonaitis, Luke Sanders, Tyler and Nicholas Miller; and his great-grandchildren Graham and Hudson LeRose, Henry and Harrison Hoffner, Elliott Sanders and baby Sanders due soon. John was predeceased by his parents Dr. John J. Sr. and Catherine, nee Jonikas, Simonaitis. He was the dear brother of the late Catherine (the late Robert) Crean, Leonarda Simonaitis, Anne (the late Joseph) Cappuzzello, and the late Joseph (the late Rita) Simonaitis.