Stephen B. Luzbetak 1937-2017
Stephen B. Luzbetak "Steve", age 79, of Lockport, passed away suddenly Friday, January 13, 2017 at Silver Cross Hospital.
He was born in Joliet and was a lifelong Joliet-Lockport resident. An active Partner with Luzbetak and Caneva Law Firm in Lockport, which in 2016, celebrated 50 years of practice in Lockport. Member of the Will County and State Bar Associations; formerly was the Attorney for Ludwig, Kelvin Grove, Fairmont, Chaney-Monge school districts, the Lockport Fire District, the Fire District Foundation and the Channahon Park District and is presently the Attorney for the Lockport Park District.
Steve started his career at Legal Aid in Chicago; was active in politics, served as Democratic Committeeman and Joliet Township Supervisor, served on the Will County Board for 10 years, first from Joliet, then from Lockport, losing by 1 vote in the battle for Chairman of the Will County Board in the 101 ballot vote; he ran for Will County Recorder of Deeds and Judge of the Circuit Court; was member and past president of both the Lockport Rotary Club and Lockport Chamber of Commerce, served 25 years on the Lockport Old Canal Days Committee and served on the boards of the Will County Historical Society, American Cancer Society and the United Way.
Member of the Lockport Moose Lodge #1557, Lockport American Legion John Olson Post #18; past president of SS Cyril and Methodius Parish and Holy Name Society; a current member of St. Dennis Church, Lockport; was chairman for the 25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Joliet and was on the diocese First Diocesan Council. Steve graduated from SS Cyril and Methodius Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School, Valedictorian Class of 1955, Loyola University in Chicago, majoring in Political Science and Loyola University Law School, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He was an avid golfer and poker player, but his greatest joy was attending his grandchildren's activities. He was a United States Army Reserve Veteran.
Preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Anna (Matuszewski) Luzbetak; his first wife, Jacqlyn (Rushing) Luzbetak; sister-in-law, Carol Rushing; brother-in-law, Terry (Sara) Aversa and a special uncle, Michael Matuszewski.
Survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann "Betty" (Banas) Luzbetak; his children, Judy (Dave) Ward, Mark (Kim Ross) Luzbetak and Paul Luzbetak; five grandchildren, Andy, Jake, Emma, Anna and Sadie; a sister, Loretta (Pete) Murphy; brother-in-law George (Barbara) Banas; and a special aunt, Rita Matuszewski. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Services have been held.