Edward J. Vanisko

Edward Vanisko passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice on March 22, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on December 23, 1937, in Joliet to John and Mary (nee Hudak) Vanisko.

 Ed was a 1955 graduate of Joliet Township High School and was employed by Commonwealth Edison for 38 years, retiring in 1994. He was a devoted husband and father. Ed was a man of quiet but deep faith and a committed Catholic. He was a previous member of St. Patrick’s and St. Paul’s Catholic Churches and a current member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church. Ed could fix just about anything, and he was always willing to lend a hand or offer advice. In his retirement, Ed loved spending time with his grandchildren and cheering them on in their various activities. He was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching anything car related, including auto racing. 

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Shirley (nee Ketchum) Vanisko; children, Edward Vanisko Jr., Steven (Susan) Vanisko, Diane (Joseph) Simon, and David (Jacquelyn) Vanisko. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Eric (Sera) Vanisko, Lauren (Aidan) Johnson, Jessica (fiancé Thomas Jensen) Simon, Adam Simon, Kyle Simon, Anna Vanisko and Daniel Vanisko. Ed is also survived by sister-in-law Alice (late John) Vanisko, numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He always loved hearing from his close nephews James Kaynish and Philip Mahalik.

 Ed is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Vanisko and his siblings, Helen (Herman) Kaynish, John Vanisko, Marian (Edward) Mahalik, and Dolores (William) Forristal. 

Visitation for Ed will be Friday, March 28, 2025, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd, Joliet, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery. Ed and Shirley believed strongly in Catholic education and lovingly sacrificed to provide it to their children. Per Ed’s request, please send memorial donations to Joliet Catholic Academy Tuition Assistance Fund (jca-online.org) in lieu of flowers.