Joseph 'Stretch' J. Grzetich

Joseph 'Stretch' J. Grzetich, age 94 passed away on March 11th, 2021 surrounded by loved ones and music. Stretch was a proud, life-long member of St. Jerome’s Croatian Catholic Church, in addition to St. Mary Star of the Sea. He was a proud Navy man, Veteran and American. He began his working years for the US Postal Service; he retired from Commonwealth Edison at age 62, then spent many of his retirement years beer-vending at Wrigley Field. He was a member of the Gabric’s Booster Club, Knights of Columbus, Club Poljica and Club Sinj; a Friday night bowler, a Wednesday evening hand-baller, golfer, lover of Tambura Music and most well-known for singing “Zivio” and “Sve Pticice Iz Gore”! He was a man that loved a good time. His beloved Eleanor passed away on July 9th, 2020. They were married for 68 years. Proud dad of Joan (Daniel) Hiser, Jane (Jerry) Magnan, Vince (Debbie), Margie (Edmund) Bilanzic and Julie (Tom) O’Connor. Proud grandfather of 12 (Matthew, Jordan, Monica, Michael, Gerard, Anna, Erik, Tyler, Madeline, Joseph, Jack -- and the late, great, Danny who’s waiting for his Papa with open arms); great grandfather of 9. Joe was one of two children to Margaret (nee Jurkovic) and Joseph. Loving brother to Vince 'Buddy' who passed away on Christmas Day at the young age of 11. Proud brother-in-law and Uncle to the Bozich Family; and loving cousin to Olga Mulc in Canada. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16th from 11am – 12pm at St. Jerome Church (2823 S. Princeton, Chg., 60616), immediately followed by Mass. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery. For information: Richard Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services (773) 767-4730 or www.richardmodellchicago.com