Alex J. "Al" Bajusz

Alex J. "Al" Bajusz, age 83, U.S. Army Reservist, a Naperville, IL resident since 1977, died peacefully Friday, March 1, 2019 at his home with family surrounding him. He was born September 10, 1935 in East Chicago, IN. Beloved husband of 59 years to Dollie Bajusz (nee Badovinich), whom he married August 8, 1959, loving father of Jean (Larry) Grevers of Ridgefield, CT; John Bajusz of Aurora, IL; Steve Bajusz of San Diego, CA; Mike (Jill) Bajusz of Naperville; and the late Alexis Bajusz; adored grandfather of Alexis, Brian and Michael Grevers; Sydney, Rissa and the late Samantha Bajusz; Jake, Owen and Carly Bajusz; devoted son of the late Alexander and Helen (nee Paul) Bajusz, dear brother of the late Helen (the late John) Sandor, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. Al grew up in East Chicago and attended Washington High School where he played on the varsity basketball team. A first generation college attendee, he put himself through school and graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN with a chemical engineering degree, was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and played on the Boilermaker's men's basketball team for three years. His grandchildren are attributing Purdue’s rise to the top of the Big Ten this weekend to Al’s heavenly influence! Al later received his MA in Business from the University of Chicago and worked in sales for the chemical and insurance industries. Al was a former member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and a current member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, where he was active in the Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul and transitional housing. He could be seen every summer volunteering at the Rib Fest and St. Margaret Mary’s picnic with his wife. He loved to travel and took numerous trips, with his wife, Dollie, throughout the world, from China to South America to the Holy Land. Al will be remembered as a handsome, selfless, mild-mannered man with a great sense of humor who put his family above all else. He never commanded the spotlight and was most content when his wife, children and grandchildren were the happiest. He loved sports and never missed his kids' games, meets and even dance recitals. Although often a man of few words, he never seemed to be at a loss for words when refs made the “wrong” calls at his son’s games. He continued supporting his eight grandchildren through countless basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball and hockey games. Memorial Visitation Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville. Family and friends will meet Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 10:30 AM to celebrate a Memorial Mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1450 Green Trails Dr., Naperville. A luncheon reception will follow at the church. Private family inurnment: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL. In lieu of flowers, masses would be greatly appreciated. Donations can also be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 1-800-822-6344, www.stjude.org For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com