George Lewis Vorick

George Lewis “Lew” Vorick, 91, of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023, with his loving wife by his side. He entered the world on April 21, 1932, on the kitchen table of his Hungarian immigrant parents’ house in Hoopeston, IL.

Lew excelled in sports as a youth (especially baseball), and served 2 years in Germany for the U.S. Army, earning marksman awards. He returned home to Illinois to attend several colleges (showing off his bowling skills), eventually earning his master’s degree in Education. He taught industrial arts to Glen Ellyn, IL, eighth-graders for 32 years. During that time he got married and raised 3 children. He later remarried and added 2 stepchildren that he treated as his own. His wife Lucy drew him into a group of close tennis friends dubbed “The Over the Net Gang.”

After retirement he developed an obsession with landscaping that consumed most of his days (and sometimes nights). But he and Lucy still made time for extensive travel and elaborate Pinochle parties. Loving him could be challenging at times, but his boundless love for others never faltered, and he was a remarkable husband, father, teacher, and friend to all who had the opportunity to know him.

Lew is survived by his extremely patient and devoted wife of 36 years, Lucy (nee Racine) Vorick; son Bob (Cheryll) Vorick of Cary, IL; daughters Liz (William) Holt of Salt Lake City, UT, and Cat Vorick of Chapel Hill, NC; stepson Tom Sidor of Streamwood, IL; stepdaughter Judy (nee Sidor) Altman of Crystal Lake, IL; grandsons David Vorick of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Josh Vorick of Newark, CA; granddaughter Ari (Jeff) Holt of Salt Lake City, UT; step granddaughter Sarah (Joe) Tasic of Lake in the Hills, IL, and their children Kayley and Noah; many nieces and nephews; and hundreds of students and friends he impacted over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary (nee Kozak) Vorick, all 10 of his brothers and sisters, and most of his close friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 12 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 410 1st St, Cary, IL, 60013.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be donated in Lew’s honor to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 410 1st St, Cary, IL, 60013.