Phillip Charles Czernik

Visitation for Phillip Charles Czernik, 66, of Kankakee will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church- West Campus (formerly known as St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church) in Kankakee, where he was a member and usher. Rev. Joel Fortier will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the family wishes. He entered into eternal life on January 14, 2018 at home with his family. Born on September 14, 1951 in Chicago to his beloved parents Felix and Mary Czernik he attended Holy Innocents Catholic School serving as an altar boy. He was accepted into Class 7A Lane Technical High School where he served as their star quarterback; headlining their playoffs at Soldier Field. He went on to Northeastern University Chicago where he played football and hockey. His final year he was scouted by the Minnesota North Stars (presently Dallas Stars) as a National Hockey League Prospect but was sidelined after sustaining an injury which ended his stint but not his fierce, steadfast loyalty to competition and athletics. After meeting his beloved wife Paula they ultimately settled in Limestone where he managed hockey teams and coached at Kankakee Valley Park District’s original rink off of Station Street. He shortly thereafter began a career in construction, supporting his role models father-in-law Sam and brothers Joe, Bart, Pete, and John (founder Raymond Azzarelli, their father) with their company, Azzarelli Construction. “Safety Phil” as he became known began as a dispatcher, later moved into the role of Director of Transportation, then Safety Director after the company became Kankakee Valley Construction for a combined total of 42 years. He loved all his co-workers- every single one- and the thrill of watching a job come to fruition from start to finish. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the employees within both companies (Azzarelli and KVCC), Tobey’s, and the many people they did business with within the community. He took his skillset in the safety sector and forayed that into college instruction conducting a construction safety class and ran many workshops to train employees on construction safety measures. He was a lover of all sports, especially Chicago teams including the Hawks and his beloved Cubbies. He supportively watched Game 4 of the 2005 Sox World Series with his father-in-law Sam (a die-hard Sox fan) knowing the Cubs would have their day…and did they ever. He was a member of the Elks Country Club; he loved golfing with his buddies and also dedicated his free time to his bowling league, which he also loved. He was a member of multiple bands in his youth and after moving to Kankakee joined “Narcissus and Goldmund” and “The Traveliers.” “The Traveliers,” a country-western band entertained the community with Alabama covers at weddings, festivals, the Easter Seals Telethon, and Bishop McNamara’s Madcaps. Phil played by ear and mastered the guitar, fiddle, keyboard, harmonica, and vocals. He was also inspired by the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney. He was a dedicated family man to Paula and also his son Jon and daughter Rebecca, instilling in them a deep commitment to all things and encouraging them in dedication, drive, and determination. He was a strong supporter of Catholic education and numerous Catholic-based causes. He was lovingly known as Uncle Philly/ Uncle Phillio to many nieces and nephews including Augie, Jordan, Gina, and Lesley (his Godchildren). He is survived by his wife and children, his cherished mother Mary Czernik, his dear sister Susan Anderson and brother-in-law Marshall Anderson, sisters-in-law Mary McGrath and Jeanne James, brothers-in-law Rick (Vicki) Azzarelli, Jim (Mary) Azzarelli, and Greg (Julie) Azzarelli in addition to countless special friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his cherished father Felix, his grandparents, his father and mother-in-law Sam and Jean Azzarelli, brothers-in-law Ray Azzarelli and George McGrath, special Uncle Iggy, and many other beloved aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His strength, drive, humility, graciousness, grace, and love have forever influenced everyone who is a part of his life. His mark on our hearts is indelible and awe-inspiring. Unforgettable.

Phillip Charles Czernik

September 14, 1951 - January 14, 2018