Joseph L. Kucharski, 83, of Wadsworth, IL, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2007 at his home. He was born June 3, 1924 in Chicago, was a former resident of Northbrook and Lake Forest, living in Wadsworth for the past 12 years.

He was a US Army veteran, having served in the European Theatre during WWII as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. After the war, Joe played for the Green Bay Packers for a season and later would enjoy coaching Pop Warner football as a volunteer for the park district. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish in Wadsworth and was an avid fisherman. He owned his own charter boat called the "Polish Prince" as well as building homes as the owner of Kucharski Construction.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Elma Kucharski; two sons, Michael Kucharski of Chicago and David Kucharski of Kenosha, WI; two grandchildren, David Meyers and Kyle Kucharski; and his daughter-in-law, Rosalinda Kucharski of Lake Villa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sophie Kucharski; and by his sister, Dorothy Lanzillo.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday at BURNETT-DANE FUNERAL HOME, 120 W. Park Ave. (Rt. 176) Libertyville and from 9:30 A.M. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 15 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth. A private interment service will be at Ascension Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Newport Township Fire Dept., 39010 Caroline St., Wadsworth, IL 60083.

[Published in News Sun from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13, 2007]