Vincent M. Claps Sr., 76 of Huntley, passed away on Saturday afternoon, February 23, 2013 at the Pepper Family Hospice Home in Barrington surrounded by his children, grandchildren and beloved spouse of 54 years.
The son of Italian immigrants and the youngest of nine, Vince was born at home to Vincent J. and Josephine (Palese) Claps on October 27, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. Vince grew up Race Street and graduated from Wells High School, where he was known as “Little Dynamite” on the school’s football team. After high school Vince co-owned and operated a Sinclair service station with his brother, Bob. On July 26, 1958 Vince was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary M. Pillion. The couple lived on Chicago’s northwest side until moving to Palatine in 1970 where they raised their seven children. Vince was employed by All State Insurance for 12 years and was proud of the fact he attempted to organize a union for the agents to ensure fair and equitable practices. Vince left this position to open the Claps Insurance Agency, which he owned and operated for many years. Vince enjoyed life to the fullest. He played the saxophone, painted, golfed, cooked Italian dishes, handicapped the horse races and took pleasure in playing cards with his “goombas”. His pride and joy; however, was spending time with his family.
Vince is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Huntley, his children, Laury (Bill) Karwoski, Vince (Lisa) Claps, Jr., all of Carmel, Indiana, Philip (Kelli) Claps of Lake Barrington, Mary Kay (Kevin) Horney, Patty (Rick) Creager all of Lake In The Hills, Paul (Anna) Claps of Algonquin & Janice (Ted) Knuth of Berwyn, his grandchildren; Louis (Megan), Daniel, Nolan, Alex, Mary Kate, Morgan, Mitchel, Emily, Amy, Allie, Lauren (Alex), Matthew, Kenny, Kristin, Josh, Joe, Kady, Kelly, Jack, Jordan, Benjamin, Connor & Alexandra, his great-granddaughter, Mary Claire and his brother, Robert (Theresa) Claps of Elk Grove. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Rocco & Albert, his sisters, Lucille, Helen, Ida, Jenny & Mary and two infant sons, Vincent Michael & Daniel Alexander.
Visitation will be from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27th at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 28th at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Honor Flights Chicago for Veterans (http://honorflightchicago.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.html).
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Dear Mary and Family, Sending love and sympathy to you and all your family. I remember how gracious Vince was about our weekly visits to your home during Lent last year. We all love you, Mary, dearly and my heart and condolences go out to all your family.
Dear Mary and family: Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of your dear husband and dad, grandfather and great grandfather, Vince. We are so sorry to hear of his death. We were happy to be of service to bring him communion, even though it was a short time. Our love and prayers are with you and all of your family. Ministry of Care team - St. Mary Church
Dear Mary and Family, We've always valued the Claps family as close friends and good neighbors. We will greatly miss Vince, and want to extend our love and sympathy to your entire family.
Patty & the rest of the Claps family, I just wanted to pass along our sincerest condolence for the passing of your father. It's never easy to lose a loved one, but having lost my mother to cancer this resonates near and dear to my heart. We wish you all the best in these difficult times. Bryan McGonigal & Family
It never leaves me for a minute the courage that Vince had in relating to Allstate management. He put it all on the line and inspired guys like me to play our small supporting roles. He will always be my hero, with his quiet determination to achieve justice and respect from them. God bless you, and your family. Paul McHugh
Mary Margaret - so very sorry to hear of the passing of Vince. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your CRHP sister, Teri