George MacZura, Jr.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, George MacZura, Jr., age 72, of Joliet, Illinois, peacefully left this earthly life and entered into God’s eternal embrace. Though his presence here will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now free from earthly burdens and reunited with loved ones who went before him. Today and forever, he flies free.

George was born on March 8, 1954, in Belleville, Illinois, to the late George and Mary L. (White) MacZura. He attended St. Stephen’s Catholic School, graduating in 1968 and Assumption Catholic High School graduating in 1972. He continued his education at Lewis University, graduating in 1976. George enjoyed a long career with UPS, where he served as a Senior Manager in Safety and Security.

Above all else, George loved his family. Growing up in a large family, he treasured the bonds that connected generations of relatives. Even as his health made traveling difficult, he remained a constant presence in the lives of those he loved through phone calls and text messages. George rarely let a birthday or anniversary pass without reaching out, making sure loved ones knew they were remembered. He also helped keep the extended family connected, sharing news of relatives and letting others know when someone was in need of prayers. In his own thoughtful way, George helped keep the threads of family woven together, regardless of the miles between them.

Later in life, George developed a deep devotion to his Catholic faith. Prayer became an important part of his life, and he generously extended that faith to others, especially family members facing difficult times. His love for God and his love for family were deeply intertwined, and both remained at the heart of who he was.

George held a special place in his heart for his granddaughters Grace and Serena, daughters of his late son Georgie. He embraced both girls with unconditional love, never making a distinction between them. To George, they were simply his granddaughters, loved equally and completely. As their beloved “Papa George,” he gave them the precious gifts of belonging, acceptance, and the certainty that they were deeply loved. Those gifts and the memories they shared, will remain with them always.

George is survived by his youngest son Raymond MacZura (fiancée Natalie Fleming), his daughter-in-law Christine Brownlee (Jason) and his beloved granddaughters Grace and Serena. His siblings Mary G. Viadero, Robert J. (Patty) MacZura, Janet M. (Margaret) MacZura, Lorene M. (Bill) Fetchko, Richard A. (Karen) MacZura and Lynn M. (Aaron) Asbury. His sisters-in-law Nancy (Rick) Plisich, Patricia (Chris) Barnett, Vickie MacZura (wife of the late James S. MacZura), and Mary A. (Larry) Celender, formerly married to the late John K. MacZura. He is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews Juliet Barnett, Evan Barnett, Vanessa and Adriana Viadero, Nisha, Jennifer, John M., Matthew, Mitchell, Eleanore, Josephine and Katherine MacZura, William and Emma Fetchko, Georgia MacZura-Shunk, Benjamin and Christopher Asbury

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marie and son Georgie. His parents George and Mary MacZura. Three brothers John K., William Lawrence “Larry” and James S. MacZura.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that George’s love and faith will continue to live on through the family he treasured so dearly. His thoughtful messages, faithful prayers, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be remembered and deeply missed. May he now find eternal peace, reunited with those who went before him, and may the love he shared continue to connect us all. Rest peacefully, George. Today and forever, fly free.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1329 Belleview Ave. in Rockdale, Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. Interment St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to a charity of your choice in George’s memory will be gratefully appreciated.