Jay Spolarich, Sr

Jay Ralph Spolarich, Sr.

Age 76 of Dwight and formerly Wilmington, passed away Tuesday morning June 24, 2014 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Born May 1, 1938 in Joliet, Jay was a son of the late John and Elsie (Knott) Spolarich. He was a 1956 graduate of Coal City High School and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy from July 30, 1956 until June 14, 1958. Jay owned and operated Jay's Radiator and Air Conditioning in Coal City for numerous years. He also held employment in the parts department at Lombardi Chevy-Buick in Wilmington, as well as most recently drove for Illinois Central Bus Company in Wilmington. In past years Jay enjoyed his snowmobile and motorcycle clubs, where he made great friends and visited many places. He was also held his private pilot's license and took pleasure in flying.

Survivors include his son Jay (Rachel) Spolarich of Creal Springs, Illinois; daughter Jori (Dann) Taylor of Wilmington; three granddaughters: Emily and Haley Spolarich and Rebecca Taylor; one great granddaughter Carmen Holderfield and two sisters: Shirley Simpson of Wilmington and Bonnie Pelton of Carbon Hill, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers-in-law: Shaderic "Sonny" McCawley, Curtis Simpson and George Pelton.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday July 1, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service 12:00 Noon at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Jay's nephew Reverend Scott McCawley will officiate. Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jay's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Green cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)