Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Brady-Gill Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Tinley Park

16600 S. Oak Park Ave.

Tinley Park, Illinois

Craig Bodzianowski Obituary

Bodzianowski, Craig Steven "Gator" 52, passed away Friday, July 26 in his sleep. Born in Chicago, he resided in South Suburbs. He is survived by his children and very proud of Kenneth Gator and Paige Margaret; his mother, Gloria; sister, Denise Worley (Stephen) and brothers, Howard (Kristen) and Kenneth (Christine). Proceeded in death by his father, Patrick; brother, William and sister, Donna Tamberlin. Proud uncle of Jeff, Bruce, Frank, Pat, Bill, Kenny. "Gator" was a cruiserweight boxing contender in the 80s whose career was postponed with a motorcycle accident and the loss of his right leg below the knee. Gator made one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all time on a prosthesis, winning two championship belts. After retiring from boxing Gator went onto physical training and construction work. Later he graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and became a professional chef. Gator was a friend to many, and LOVED by all! A memorial service will be held at Brady-Gill Funeral Home, 16600 S. Oak Park, Tinley Park, 60477, Wednesday, July 31, 2013 2-9 P.M.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Bodzianowski

Not sure what to say?





Amber Martin

July 17, 2014

I've known Gator since I was about 8 years old. He was a vey good friend of my late mother Tina Hedgren. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I talked with him after my mothers passing about culinary school. We had both went to the same one. I just found out of his passing and wanted to let his family, especially his mother how sad I was to hear of his passing and not to have been able to be there in their time of need. I will always cherish my memories of him. My prayers will always be with him and his family.

Jerry Daliege

March 14, 2014

I had the privilege of photographing Craig for his manager, Jerry Lenza. Recently I came across all my old negatives of Craig. I would love to be able to share these with family.

Errol Rafacz

February 23, 2014

Howard, I just found out through the 'net' checking up on old friends..(took me a few trys to get the name right) I'm sorry to hear of Craigs passing. My prayers to you and your family.

Angel Kupiec

August 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Bodzianowski family

Gina Tolva-Williams

August 4, 2013

I left IL so many years ago, buy Craig and I went to school together and I never forgot him. I was sorry to hear of your loss. Craig was a good guy in school, I can only imagine what a man he became, by all the condolences. May you remember that he was a gift from God and remember the blessings he shared with all of us! May God Bless Craig's family and loved ones!

Petrina Bell

July 31, 2013

My heart and prayers are with the family, may the God of all comfort, comfort you in this time of sorrow.

mike sparr

July 31, 2013

my prayers are with all from my the sparr family and the madros

July 31, 2013

So sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorites students and came back to Sandburg a few times to show off his belt. He always popped in to see me. I was his high school biology teacher. I also had Bill in class too. Seems like an eternity has passed since those days of watching him wrestle with the mom and dad and clan in the stands. I remember dad as being a mountain of a man. Gator remembered me in his book mentioning that he was killing time waiting for one of his matches while studying for one of my biology tests. I am saddened.
Just,
Coach Harry Cook

Tisha Schuebel (Bonick)

July 31, 2013

RIP Gator! As a friend of my fathers, he would visit us in Wisconsin and one of my greatest memories was when he would fall asleep, my sisters and I would sneak and take a look at his leg. We thought it was the neatest thing! We were so afraid he would wake up and catch us! I was little, but that memory seems like yesterday and will be one I will never forget! Love and prayers!

jennifer gricus-kruzel

July 31, 2013

my prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time

July 31, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers, from my family to yours

John & Lisa Larkin

July 30, 2013

Our most sincere condolences to the Bodzianowski family. Prayers to you all. (We went to school with Craig & Howard.)

Jo Ann Fredendall McGowan

July 30, 2013

I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and sympathy to you all. :( May God get you through these tough times.

July 30, 2013

To the BODZIANOWSKI family i'm so sorry for your loss.denise this is linda multon candy multon sister .

John & Sheri DeMarco

July 30, 2013

Our prayers and condolences go out to the entire Bodzianowski family.

David Townsend

July 30, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michael Quigley

July 30, 2013

I first met Craig after his accident and designed his prostheses for years. He was a world class character with the heart of a lion. He was so tough he would test every prosthesis I made by jumping off a garage roof to be sure it was strong enough. Later, he gave many talks to amputee groups and was a great inspiration to many during a very tragic time in their lives.

Jim Watt

July 30, 2013

My sincere condolences and prayers to the Bodzianowski family. God bless you all.

ED AND LINDA FINLEY

July 30, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 30, 2013

i love u gator! u have helped me so much in the beginning! I will miss you so much! Love, Amy Stankiewicz

Jim

July 30, 2013

God Bless. RIP

Thomas Sim

July 30, 2013

Gator was a good guy he helped me out a lot I will miss him my prayers are with the family R I P Gator

Kyle Allen

July 30, 2013

prayers & thoughts with Gator's family - he authored an incredible story in life. God bless him.

Charles Bean

July 30, 2013

So sorry for your loss our prayers go our to the entire Bodzianowski family.

John McQuinb

July 30, 2013

My Deepest condolences to "Gator" & his entire family. He will be missed by many. God Bless & RIP.

Rosalie Duffy

July 30, 2013

Dear Gloria, Kristen and the entire Bodzianowski family. No words can express my sympathy on the loss of your son, no parent should ever have to bury a child. Just remember as a family you will get thru this and as your friend I will be there for you.

Rosalie Duffy

July 30, 2013

Gloria, Kristen and the entire Bodzianowski family. There are no words to express my sympathy for your family, no parent should ever have to bury a child. I will keep you in my prayers Gloria.

Pat & Charlene Schiavone

July 30, 2013

Rest in Peace Gator. Throughout your life you were always one-of-a-kind, even when you were a little kid. I can still remember how proud your parents were of you. You were way to young to be taken from us. You will be truly missed.

Jim Noonan

July 30, 2013

Gator was a huge inspiration to many, especially me. My condolences and prayers to his family.

Pattie Poglajen-Curtis

July 30, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family....

Lawrence Weston

July 30, 2013

Another life taken to soon. He touched a lot of lives. My deepest condolences to his family and friends he left behind.

Char Cole

July 30, 2013

RIP Gator ...prayers n love to his family ...

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Make a Donation
in Craig Bodzianowski's name

Memorial Events
for Craig Bodzianowski

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brady-Gill Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Tinley Park

16600 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477

How to support Craig's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Craig Bodzianowski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more