INFORMATION FROMpHIL HASKET (RET)

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Michael J. McArdle Jr, 88, Veteran of United States Marine Corps, passed away January 14, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Geraldine (nee Duffy). Loving father of Timothy (Sharon) McArdle, Colleen (Judy) Arnier, and Katie (Paul) Schmidt. Beloved papa of Michael (Kathleen), Meaghan McArdle, Caleigh (Declan) Harty, Jeffery (Hillary) and Allison Arnier, Reegan, Mitchell, and Molly Schmidt. Great grandpapa of Maureen, Tim, Erin, Maeve, James, Jack and Teddy. Brother of the late Donna Griffin. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Retired attorney, past President of the Society of Trial Lawyers, Former Special Agent of the F.B.I. Visitation Friday, January 24 at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, from 9 am until time of Mass at 11 am. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rita High School Scholarship Fund, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620 or https:stritahs.com/donate. Arrangements entrusted to Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave., Chicago, 60643. For info 773-238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.

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Diane Kathleen (Mabry) Melvin, 75 years old, passed peacefully on 1/12/2025. Beloved wife of the late Edward “Pat” Melvin, married 36 years. Loving mother to Jennifer Melvin. Dear daughter of William Mabry and Norine (Hughes) Mabry. Diane grew up on the Southside of Chicago, the only child of a policeman and a former nun who owned a dry cleaning business. She attended Academy of Our Lady (Longwood) High School and graduated by the skin of her teeth, because she spent more time talking than learning. She landed a job as a clerk at the Chicago Police Department where she quickly learned that she could return late from lunch as long as she brought the Sergeant a Manhattan in a to-go cup. While working there, one of the policemen set her up with his son, Pat, and after many infamous adventures while dating, they decided to get married. Several years later they welcomed their only child, Jennifer, and moved to Roselle, IL. Diane took on a new job at American Airlines, spending most of her 26 years there in Cargo. During that time she took many trips with very dear friends, and she cherished every second of it. She retired in 2012 and loved laughing at everyone that still had to go to work every time it snowed. She happily spent her retirement sleeping in, going out to dinner with friends, and enjoying (probably) too many martinis. She suffered a stroke in 2017 that may have slowed her down, but it certainly didn’t stop her. Thankfully, she never lost her humor or her optimism, and she was always the favorite patient of every nurse and caregiver. Diane was blessed to not only have many friendships, but extraordinary ones that spanned decades. She always showed kindness to everyone around her, especially to those that needed it the most. She was a fabulous wedding guest because she could turn a table of strangers into fast friends and encourage even the shyest of people onto the dance floor. If you ever walked past a room full of laughter, Di was sure to be at the center of it. Her greatest gift was her ability to spread the immense amount of love and joy she carried inside of her to everyone she encountered. She made you feel good just by being in her presence – and she did it without even trying, because that’s just who she was. She was an unbelievably bright light, and her hope would be that we all carry a bit of that light with us to honor her memory. All of her “Dolls” will miss her greatly, and we hope to meet again someday… probably in a pub.Visitation Friday, January 17, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th Street, Chicago Ridge; Funeral Saturday, January 18, 2025, all Family and Friends to meet directly at St. Linus Church, 10300 Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn IL for 9:30 a.m. Mass; In lieu of flowers, donations to Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, https://www.sralab.org/ are appreciated. Interment St. Mary Cemetery; For Funeral info (708) 422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.

Passed away 08 January 2024 LAURA NOEL MURPHY sister of Police Officer William “Billy” T. Murphy assigned to Auto Pounds.

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Laura Noel Murphy September 14, 1968 – January 8, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laura Noel Murphy of St. Charles, Illinois, on January 8, 2025, after a courageous and valiant fight against cancer. Laura was preceded in death by her father, William Murphy (Chicago Police Department); her mother, Judith Murphy (née Wolfe); her siblings, Brian Murphy, Carrie (David) Wopinek, Jerry Murphy, and Michael Murphy; her nephew, David Wopinek; her niece, Caitlin Wopinek; her uncles, Harold Murphy, John Lopez, and Thomas Wolfe (Bolingbrook Police Department); her cousin, Michael Lopez (Chicago Fire Department); and other beloved family members who held a special place in her heart. Laura was a beacon of love, strength, and kindness, known for her quick wit and impeccable comedic timing. Her presence brought light and laughter to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born on September 14, 1968, Laura grew up with a passion for helping others. She graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 1986 and worked tirelessly to put herself through college. In 1993, she earned her nursing degree from Lewis University, where she graduated with distinction on the Dean’s List. This launched her into a lifelong career of caring for others, leaving an indelible mark on all those she touched. Laura dedicated her adult life to her profession, working at Our Lady of Resurrection Hospital (Community First), as well as Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva (Northwestern Medicine). She concluded her career at Elmhurst Hospital, where she continued to provide exceptional care to others while bravely battling cancer, until she was no longer able to work and needed care herself in her final days. Her exemplary work as a compassionate nurse was acknowledged through the receipt of many prestigious awards for her unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care and service. Her tireless dedication to her patients and colleagues reflected her deep compassion and selflessness. She was beloved by all who had the fortune of meeting her. Family was Laura’s greatest treasure. She is survived by her two sons, Nicholas Castellano and Kevin Castellano, who were the light of her life. She also leaves behind her beloved “baby brother,” Billy (Melody) Murphy (Chicago Police Department); her devoted aunts, Maureen Murphy, Andrea Wolfe, and Meredith Lopez; her adored nephews, Timothy Wopinek (Orland Park Fire Department) and Gavin Murphy; her loving nieces, Gabrielle Murphy and Grace Murphy; and her cherished cousins, Kim (Rich) Johnson (née Wolfe) (Downers Grove Police Department), Kris (Jeff) Hagen (née Wolfe), Tommy (Laura) Wolfe, Daniel (Bailey) Wolfe, Mat Lopez (Chicago Police Department), and Katie (Michael) Lopez (nee McKeon). Her love and devotion to her family were boundless, and she found immense pride and comfort in their support during her final weeks. Laura will be remembered for her vivacious personality, sense of humor, and ability to be the life of the party. Her laughter and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of Laura’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16, at Christ the Servant Catholic Church, 8700 Havens Drive, Woodridge, IL. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America at https://lcfamerica.org in Laura’s honor.

From the CPD Daily bulletin 16 Jan. 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

Arthur W. Wittbrodt .....1932.