John Joseph Guajardo

John Joseph Guajardo age 61, died unexpectedly in Hillside Illinois December 10th 2021. He was born in Chicago Illinois to Raphael and Rita (nee Martinez) Guajardo. John was the brother of Raphael, Toni (Charles) Campbell, Irene Guajardo (John Gawne), Cruz, Michael, Lisa (Jason) Douglas, and the late Paul Guajardo and Patricia Quane, uncle to 17 and great-uncle of 16. Nephew to Vincent (late Paula and the late Carmen) Martinez, Monica Sandoval and the late Maria (the late Gerald) Pryor, the late John (Danna) Martinez, the late Cruz Martinez, Irene (the late Vincent) Barba, the late Toby (the late George) Chavez, the late Rudy and Jessie Guajardo. He was a loving brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend of many. The family moved from Chicago’s St Angela Parish in 1976 to River Forest until 2003. John lived many years in Forest Park Illinois. John was an outstanding wrestler for Oak Park River Forest High School.  In his senior year he won over 30 matches. He joined the ranks of elite wrestlers by earning a trip to compete “downstate” in 1979. He pursued many passions and hobbies during his life, including jockeying horses, the Chicago marathon, traveling, bike riding, camping, love of dogs, writing songs and poems. John became Journeyman Electrician in 1985 and proud member of IBEW Local 134. John retired in 2021 and focused on his entrepreneurship and interests in Corvairs, as well as spending time with family and friends. More than anything, John will be remembered for his love of poetry and looking on the bright side. His eternal optimism, smile and laugh will be dearly missed by all of us who were blessed to know him. Celebration of Life for John Guajardo will be held on Sunday, August 28th, 2022, between 1-5 pm at Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave, River Forest, IL 60305. All are welcome and his family and friends look forward to sharing stories about 3pm.  There will be plenty of outdoor space available to enjoy the day. In lieu of flowers, consider giving to your favorite charity or https://www.housingforward.org/ give. Updates of Sunday’s event will be posted on Twitter #CelebrateJohnGuajardo https://www.heritageberwyn.com/obituary/John-Guajardo

We little knew that morning

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone,

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you,

You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.