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JAMES RAGO Obituary

Rago, James K. 78, Aug. 22, 2015 Army Veteran. Beloved son of the late Joseph and Lena (nee Calabrese); dear brother of the late Frank and Joseph Rago; fond uncle of Karen (Daniel) Pavilonis and Joanne (Jim) Spindler. Retired Park Attendant with 54 years of service at Kennedy Park. Chapel Service, Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Visitation, Wednesday 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to be made to the Animal Welfare League, 10305 Southwest Highway Chicago Ridge, IL 60415. Info (773) 238-0075. Sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.



Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 25, 2015.
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I will always remember and have fond memories of Mr. Rago at Kennedy Park, he was a great guy, who always was there when me and my friends went to the pool.Rest in Peace Jim. Sincerely, Frank Zito

Frank Zito

October 1, 2015

Rest in Peace. Uncle Kohler

Adriana Rago

August 31, 2015

I remember Jim from school at Holy Rosary in the 40's and Palmer Park at 113th St.
A true Roselander...I telephoned him frequently until a few months ago, enjoyed
our conversations........

JOE SULLIVAN

August 29, 2015

Koehler was in my wedding party 52 years ago October .attended holy rosary and Mendel together .was the oldest of our group and the last to retire.
Hope your happy jim.
Dave kane

August 28, 2015

Jim was my moms cousin. He helped her put me through day camp at Riverdale Park (what it used to be called). I have so many good memories of him. He was always so kind and gentle to me and everyone. Im sure he and my mom are cracking jokes up in heaven now. Rest in peace Kohler. You will be missed.

Lori Walushis

August 28, 2015

Growing up in Kennedy Park "Rago" was a fixture...a constant presence that made Kennedy Park a place to call home in the 70's, 80"s, 90"s ...up until last year. He ran a tight ship and was more than just a custodian. He took a personal interest in each and every one of us that walked through those doors at KP. He witnessed generations grow up and acknowledged who you were. All of us and the Chicago Park District were fortunate to have know this "one of a kind" guy like Jim Rago. You will be missed. RIP

loretto coogan

August 27, 2015

James Rago (aka)
The Mayor of Kennedy Park
I 'll always Treasures the fond memories forever in my heart.
Mr.Rago you were one of kind!
Look out Heaven here comes Rago!

Dale Marie Grandys

August 26, 2015

Jim, you worked so diligently to keep Kennedy Park clean for all of us! An uphill battle for a place filled with kids interested only in fun.

After 35 years, I returned with my grandchildren and you still made us all feel very welcome.

Thank you for all you did!

Pat McQuillan, Tommy, Moira, and the McGee Grandchildren

August 26, 2015

Ongoing prayers of Thanksgiving for the CARING heart of Jim Rago - who tried SO desperately to hide that heart! On his first day at Kennedy Park, I, a summer rec leader and Joe, a Kennedy Park "kid" home on leave from the U.S. Navy watched as Mary Wiese (Supervisor) brought a very thin, somewhat bewildered, new U.S. Veteran, Jim, to his new workplace, Kennedy Park Pool! So began not only a new job but a new era of immaculately clean and orderly dressing rooms and kids who learned pool safety, strict rules, respect, and creative, still-remembered-and-talked about forms of discipline! As long as GRATEFUL parents and now-coming-to-understand "kids", tell their stories of Jim, the Rago Era at Kennedy will live - in its uniqueness and its caring.
Joe and Barb McSweeney

August 26, 2015

Spent many elections with Jim.

Steve Graves

August 26, 2015

Ongoing prayers for a heart that just would not be hidden - even though Jim Rago often tried his best!, We were standing on the side of the Girls' Pool (I, a summer Recreation Leader; Joe, a long-time KP "kid" home on leave from the USN) when Miss Wiese (Supervisor) brought a very thin, somewhat bewildered, new veteran, Jim Rago, over for his first look at his new workplace, Kennedy Park Pool! So began not a job but an era of clean and orderly dressing rooms and at least two generations of kids who came to UNDERSTAND safety, caring - and creative, unique, demanding, effective DISCIPLINE! The stories and memories will be told for years to come, Jim, as you continue to live in the grateful hearts, cherished memories, and ongoing prayers of your Kennedy Park "kids". Know of our genuine affection and thanks.
Joe, Barb, Dennis, Sean, and Kevin McSweeney

Barb McSweeney

August 26, 2015

Jim you always were great fun to be around at the park May you Rest in Peace Pat Mulligan

August 26, 2015

May you rest in peace in the big park above.

Phil Hickey

August 25, 2015

Jim (in our family, he was known as "Koehler")was my cousin and my godfather, and he was the sweetest, warmest one a little girl could ever have. He made me feel like I was very special to him just by being happy to see me--as if we had an unbreakable bond--and as the years went by, I remained a little girl in his eyes. I sure will miss him.

Marianne McGeary

August 25, 2015

Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Rago.Anyone who grew up in and around KP has memories of Jim.I got to work at the park for a few summers in the 90's and shared a lot of stories with him and a lot of ping pong.JIM never forgot the characters from the neighborhood and as gruffy as he was I think Jim loved his time and the people of KP.god bless jim rago and rest in peace.

Dennis Moss

August 25, 2015

Remembering all the great summers at KP with Rago and Mrs Valentine. Rest in Peace. The McEldowney girls.

McEldowney Family

August 25, 2015

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Donnellan Funeral Home

10525 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

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