George S. Dolak

George Stephen Dolak, 81, of Carillon in Plainfield passed away peacefully on the evening of December 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Joliet, Illinois on March 3, 1942 to the late George Edward Dolak and Margaret (Kodiak) Dolak. He was preceded in death by two of his siblings: Kay Jeffery and Daniel Dolak.  George grew up in Joliet and was a life-long resident of Will County. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1960 and studied at Lewis University.  This preparation with the guidance from some key mentors, placed George in leadership positions in the foundational days of Information Technology with Johnson & Johnson to when he retired as Director of Data Processing of Will County in the 1990s.

George is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Mary Kay (Chignoli); three children: Steve Dolak (Monica), Jerry Dolak (Kelly), and Laurinda Dooley (Tom); his grandchildren Mike Dolak, Shawn Dolak, and Jett Dooley; his brother John C. Dolak and numerous nieces and nephews from the Dolak, Chignoli, Jeffery, Riley, and Terdic families.

While working and raising a family, his entrepreneurial spirit was always being exerted. Starting in 1975,  he owned and operated the Village Inn in New Lenox. Then in 1980 developed and built the original Creamery ice cream stand in Frankfort, Illinois. George involved his children in the businesses and taught them the basics of small-business finance and the rewards of providing the finest customer service.  He employed friends and family members throughout his business life and was always willing to assist other people.

George loved to travel with Mary Kay.  They racked up many frequent flier miles travelling to Las Vegas and visited family and friends all over our country. After he retired, George worked part-time as a gate agent for American Airlines to take advantage of the travel bonuses.

George enjoyed being outside.  He started fishing in the Fox River as a boy and never stopped; even when the water was frozen on a lake, he drilled holes and caught fish through the ice. He enjoyed fishing with his in-laws in Wisconsin and in Florida.  George was an avid golfer. He had a reputation at Carillon to always wear his slacks even in the middle of the Summer.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 9:30 – 10:30 am at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, and then a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.  Private interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials may be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet or to St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.