John Church

"I am John Church and my wife and caregiver describe me as 'the sweetest man you will ever meet.' I don’t know about that but I can tell you that I like people and enjoy spending time with people. I grew up in Virginia as one of four brothers and two sisters. I have a sister, Dot, and a brother who are still living, though my brother has not been as helpful as I would have thought. I used to manage a farm in Virginia and I was good at that. I, however, wanted more for my life. I took a chance and moved to Chicago. I ended up working for the CTA. Again, I enjoyed my riders and all the people I connected with. I was never married. I had a band as I played guitar, piano and sung. I love country music. I eventually retired about 20 years ago and met the love of my life. I married Anselma, who grew up in Cuba and immigrated to Chicago in the late 1950’s. I met her through her sister who cut my hair. We went out for only a couple of months. When I asked her to go see my family in Virginia, she told me she wouldn’t travel with me unless we were married. That was a great decision. We were married at St. Hilary’s. We have been happy together visiting her family in Florida and my family at times in Virginia. We eat out all the time (Anselma doesn’t cook) and have our favorite restaurants and people that we meet. I take my Catholic faith seriously and am a deeply spiritual person. I had a caregiver, Shirley, who helped me and my wife. I was healthier before I got Covid just before Christmas. I was on a respirator and was able to get off. I have struggled with some infections and need my pacemaker. I am not worried about the future. I know that God will continue to watch over me and my wife."

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for John on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4-8PM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60626. A funeral mass will then take place on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10AM at St. Padre Pio Parish, 5600 N Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60659. Interment will take place at Rosehill Cemetery.