John Charles Ginalick, 81, of Edwardsville, Ill., born March 23, 1934, in Summit, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.

John attended Argo High School where he was a South Suburban All-star second baseman. He then went to Western Illinois University in Macomb graduating with a BS in business education. He proudly served in the U.S. Army two years active stationed in Germany, six years inactive achieving an SP 3 rank. After the Army, he worked for Continental Insurance in Chicago, Ill. He then went on to be a school teacher at Bedford Park for 10 years. He also was recreational director of Bedford Park District. He sat on the executive board of Jane Adams Hull House in Chicago and was past president of the Des Plaines Valley Center. After teaching at Bedford Park, he went on to teach at Lewis and Clark Junior High School in Wood River, Ill., for another 30 years where he also coached basketball and track. After retiring from teaching in 1998, he was employed part time at Hortica Insurance in Edwardsville, Ill. He sat on the Bond Madison Water Company Board as secretary. He was fourth degree Mason at Argo-Summit, Ill., lodge. John had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. He loved and was loved by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilda M., nee Smiddy, Ginalick.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine, nee Mical, Ginalick whom he married on July 25, 1964, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Summit, Ill.; sons, Gregg (Donna) Ginalick of Lexington, Ky., and Glenn (Angela) Ginalick of Monticello, Ill.; grandchildren, Alexis, Benjamin, Grant and Dylan Ginalick; brothers, William (Lynn) Ginalick of St. Louis, Mo., and James (Linda) Ginalick of Glen Carbon, Ill.; sister-in-law, Andrea (Thomas) Michalik; brothers-in-law, Robert (Judy) and Lawrence (Katherine); and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St Louis, Mo. 63131, in memory of John.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Graveside service will be held at noon Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at Camp Butler

National Cemetery, Springfield, Ill., with Father Steve Janoski officiating. Burial will follow service.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.