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Nicholas Rakich Obituary
Nicholas D. Rakich "Nick", age 69. Late of South Holland, IL. Formerly of South Chicago, IL. Passed away on March 23, 2024. Loving father of Nicholas (Tiffany) Rakich and Danielle Rakich. Dearest brother of Nadine Rakich and the late Denise (Alfred) Castillo. Favorite Ujak to Nick, Jennifer, Mike, Matthew, Stephen, Sarah, Adam, and the late Chris Castillo. Preceded in death by his parents Dmitar and Viola "Vicky" Rakich. Nick retired after 46 years working as a beer truck driver for PM Distributors, and Hayes Beer Distibutors, delivering in South Chicago, East Side, and Hegewisch. He was a member of Drina Tamburitza Orchestra, playing throughout Chicago, Northwest Indiana, across the US, and Canada. He Played Tamburitza music for 57 years. Visitation will be Friday, March 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL. 60617. Funeral Services Saturday, March 30, 2024, Directly at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church 1500-186th Street, Lansing, IL. 60438 where Nick will Lie in State from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. with the Very Rev. Aleksandar Savic, officiating. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, Hammond, IN. www.elmwoodchapel.com 773-731-2749
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Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Rakich
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
4 Entries
Louis Rosen
June 9, 2025
My condolences to Nick's family. I remember him fondly from the many years we were together at Joseph Warren Elementary School. Very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Louis Rosen
Karin Opacich
April 2, 2024
Condolences to Nick's children and family. I have many, many memories of Nick from years past when he played bugarija with my dad in Drina. Good memories and peace to all of you.
Elissa
March 30, 2024
Sending my sympathy to Nick's kids, family and friends and to all mbers of Drina Orchastra. My heart breaks for all of you. Nick was a great guy with tremendous talent. Nick, you will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my friend.
Martha Ostoich Teshich
March 25, 2024
Dear Danielle & Nicholas,
I was fortunate to know Nicky since we were VERY young. We were fortunate to grow up in a wonderful Serbian church community in South Chicago which gave us some of the happiest times. Through Sunday School , SOTAYA, tambura group, junior choir, and even high school at Bowen, Nicky was a good friend and fun guy to be around. I will miss his greetings of, "Hi Motts!" accompanied by a hug and kiss on the cheek whenever I came back home and saw him. HIs love for our music and and devotion to keeping it alive will be a one of his lasting legacies.
It just won't be the same without seeing him with that bugarija, singing his heart out and loving every minute of it.
Rest easy my friend. May your memory be a blessing to all who were fortunate to know you.
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Memorial Events
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Mar
29
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Elmwood Chapel & Crematory - East Side11200 S Ewing Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
Mar
29
Mar
30
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Elmwood Chapel & Crematory - East Side11200 S Ewing Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
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