Raymond Paul Kasprzak, 78, of Huntley, formerly of Streamwood, died peacefully in his home on November 9, 2021.
Ray was born in Chicago on June 14, 1943, to parents Paul and Jean (nee Trelka) Kasprzak. He met Kathryn Hamm on a blind date and the pair were married on June 15, 1963. Ray was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served from 1960 to 1968. Ray was a broadcast engineer for WGN and was passionate about operating his own Ham Radio. His call letters were K9RJO. He enjoyed playing the piano and organ and was involved with the group The Notables. He was a curious man who loved to study science and nutrition. He enjoyed spending time on his computer and was very fond of photography. He loved his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Kasprzak, his children, Kenneth Kasprzak, Christine (Brien) Busse, Mary (Rick) Hurley, and Michael Kasprzak, his grandchildren, Tiffany (Steve) Spicer, Leland White, Nicole Hurley, and Ricky Hurley, his great-grandchildren, Kaiden Spicer and Owen Spicer, his sister Jackie (Jack) D’Amato, and his beloved chihuahua, Chewie.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Roxanne (Matt) Cybulko.
Visitation will be Monday, November 15, 2021, from 3 p.m. to time of prayer service 6:30 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Mass will be Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 10 a.m. with a visitation at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Interment will be Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Road, Elwood.
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Sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. My condolences to the entire Kasprzak family.
I worked closely with Ray for many years at WGN Television. Engineering, in the old days, involved a lot more than pushing buttons and turning knobs. You had to use a 'scope, a voltmeter, and a soldering iron. Ray used them all, skillfully and with a lot of talent. Ray didn't leave things to stay broken for very long. He fixed things and installed things. Many of us “old geezers” retired but stayed in touch with a monthly lunch. I'm glad we all had the opportunity to stay in touch with, and remember, Ray.
Mike The Diel Family are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your Family, sending prayers. Laura
Dear Kathy and Family: Our hearts were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ray. We knew his health was failing these last few weeks, but always had hope that he would get better. He will be remembered for his caring personality, his willingness to face new challenges with determination and perfection. He has had some tough diagnosis these last few years and treated them as a chance to educate himself on diverse ways to take control. Whatever crossed his path he tackled with fortitude and succeeded, whether it was in his organ playing, his piano playing, his ham radio, or his photography. He developed skills and talents, then shared these with others through his teaching and helping them better understand. He thought nothing of spending hours on the phone or at a neighbor’s home explaining the complex logistics of computers. He loved the latest technologies and appliances. His home purchases reflected that. He was ahead of the crowd on trying new devices and electronic equipment. He bought it, educated himself about it, mastered it, and used it to its full capacity and then was a great resource for friends in search of a new appliance or vacuum. He was the WGN Net “net control.” This he did with pride and ease. He led the ham group, be it 10 or 2, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. He also participated in other ham groups and events. His research and multiple interests enabled him to commentate knowledgeably at each transmission on many subjects. His passion for ham radio was instrumental in John becoming a ham. He gave John his novice test and persuaded him to take his special license test. K9RJO is now a “silent key”, and that strong baritone voice will be missed. We want you to know that we are praying for you and your family at this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of Ray as a loving Husband, proud Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, a dear friend, and great neighbor to so many, ease your loss and bring you peace. May his soul rest in the peace of the Lord! With our very deepest sympathy, Love, Diane and John
Mike and family Larry and I are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Reading his obituary he sounded like he had a wonderful life. I think you got your music talent from your dad! We’ll keep you and family in our prayers! Fondly, June and Larry Muncy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and your family.
Ray was a diamond in the rough, He was multi-faceted : a great family man, devoted husband, musician, digital photographer, in-house engineer , loving Grandpa ,true friend , community leader, and a model to look up to. He didn't waste his life -he lived it !!! This guy had the courage to explore his talents after many people sit down in rocking chairs and give up. I'm so sorry he died at a young age. Many will long remember him. Ray was a gem!
The time we shared at WGN is memorable. A lot of good conversation and new insight to old problems. Thanks Ray!
So sorry