Jack Percival

    John “Jack” Percival died peacefully August 14, 2021 at his home in Westchester, IL. He was the loving husband of Peggy, devoted father of Adam (Christie) and Luke (Lindsey), beloved “Papa” to Ava, Ben, Ella, Laila, and Hailey.

     He was born in 1946, attended Saint William Grammar School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, and DePaul University where he earned Master’s degrees in Sociology and Educational Leadership. While in college Jack spent two summers as a volunteer in La Ceiba, Puebla, México, which began a never-ending love and respect for the people, culture and Spanish language.

     Jack worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago for over 40 years, first as a teacher at De La Salle High School and St. Ludmila Grammar School, and then as principal at St. Roman School, and Bridgeport Catholic Academy. His last 17 years as principal were at St. Andrew School in Chicago - “one mile due west of the World’s Most Beautiful Ballpark”.  He also served as Pastoral Associate at Epiphany Parish in Chicago.

     He both played and coached baseball and basketball, was an Eagle Scout, and later a Cubmaster at Divine Infant Parish in Westchester. Jack was a lifelong Cubs fan, threw out a first pitch at Wrigley Field, and rejoiced in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series.

     After retiring, he continued to teach English to adults. He enjoyed traveling, reading, visiting family and friends, and his favorite activity - caring for his grandchildren.

     He is survived by his brother Jeff (Adrianne Chang) Percival, sister Judy (Rich) Pawlicki, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Arne (Rita) Jirasek, Mar (Eddie Liss) Jirasek, Mike (Bea) Jirasek, Terry Jirasek, Tom (Jean) Jirasek, Mary (the late Joe) Jirasek, and Pete (Kathleen) Jirasek. He was also preceded in death by brother-in-law Paul Jirasek. Jack cherished many cousins, nieces, nephews, students, and dear friends.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would be greatly appreciated: teachempowers.org;  Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos - Our Little Brothers and Sisters at (www.nphusa.org); or the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants at (www.icdichicago.org)

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 9:00 AM until time of Chapel Service at 11:00 AM at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162. Interment will remain private. For additional info. Call (708) 449-5300.

The family is requesting that everyone attending the visitation and remembrance service please wear masks - even if you have been vaccinated.

We will have masks if you need one. Thank you.