John Richard Antanaitis

John Richard Antanaitis Nov. 20, 1933 - Mar. 30, 2009 John Richard Antanaitis, age 75, of Schererville, passed away on March 30, 2009. John was born to John and Mary Antanaitis in their home in Chicago, Illinois. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both railroad men, John joined the railroad and went to work at the young age of fifteen. He spent the next 47 years with same company that transitioned from the Nickel Plate Road to Norfolk and Western to Norfolk Southern, where he eventually retired in 1995 to spend his remaining years working tirelessly for friends and family. Taking his only short break from the railroad, John served in the Army in the mid 1950’s. He was stationed in post-war Europe and recalled much of his tour with youthful fondness for the people, the land and the food. Always the food. John’s love for a good meal was only outmatched by his love of family and close friends. Combining food and family was his special gift. At every event you could be sure that ‘Big John’ was manning the kitchen – one way or another. Whether cooking campsite breakfast for a couple dozen or making pies for holiday gatherings with family or friends, John became synonymous with food. Even babies could sense it. John earned the nickname ‘Grandpa Doughnuts’ from his very first grandchild and wore it with pride for almost twenty years. John’s one breach from modesty was recounting the accomplishments of his four children and thirteen grandchildren. During those moments his striking blue eyes would sparkle and a restrained smile would slowly spread across his face. John was preceded in death by his brother Phillip Antanaitis and brother-in-law Raymond Ritola. John was survived by his four children Duncan (Peggy) Marriott, Rosanne (Leo) Firchau, Stan (Cyndi) Marriott and John (Chris) Antanaitis and thirteen grandchildren Brigid, Hannah and Kyra Marriott, Bryanna, Alexandra and Cassandra Firchau, Emily, Thea and Ana Marriott and John Ross, Kyle, Sean and Joy Mei Antanaitis and his sister, Jean Ritola, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Joseph Murphy officiating. Services will terminate at the funeral home. Friends may visit with the family at Burns Funeral Home, on Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to: Ingalls Foundation for Cancer Research, 71 West 156th St. POB 5th Floor, Harvey, IL, 60426

John Richard Antanaitis

November 20, 1933 - March 30, 2009