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Gerald
Zordani
Dec 4, 1938 — Jul 19, 2025
Westmont
Gerald Zordani, 86, passed away on July 19, 2025. Jerry was a dear father to Jennifer Zordani, Julie (Michael Shannon Bookey) Zordani and the late Mark Zordani; beloved father-in-law to Corie Zordani and proud grandfather to Kathryn Nowak and Nicholas Nowak. He was uncle to Robert (Heidi) Zordani and Alicia (Roni) Squires. Jerry was predeceased by his ex-wife Janeen Zordani, his ex son-in-law, Edward Nowak, his parents Rudy and Molly Zordani, his brother Robert Zordani, his sister- in-law Phyllis Zordani and his nephew James Zordani.
Raised on the Southside of Chicago, Jerry attended Catholic schools and knew parishes and taverns. He would be a White Sox fan his whole life, remembering baseball games with his father, but then again, he loved most sports. His parents, Molly and Rudy, were hardworking, depression era savers, and made a delicious dinner for the family every night. If Molly made potica for dessert, Jerry was sure to have many slices.
When Jerry married Janeen, Janeen was intimidated by cooking because Jerry's family knew flavor. Janeen eventually gained skills and always put on a beautiful family dinner. Jerry and Janeen divorced but maintained a friendly relationship. Jerry backed Janeen's flower business and laughed at her desire to start a business in her 50s, but she did well. The loss of their son was the hardest part of their lives together.
Jerry lived many years as a bachelor and laughingly agreed he should have maintained the single life instead of marrying and divorcing again later in life. However, he didn't look back with any regret. He found no value in judging others and was forgiving and kind. He didn't keep score with those he loved.
Jerry found professional success as a commodities trader partly because of his skill and partly because his friends showed him the way. Above all, for the Chicago Board of Trade old-timers like Jerry, trading didn't require a long workday, which left plenty of time for golfing, cards and nights out, always with storytelling and laughter. His circle of friends was varied and shared common characteristics such as an appreciation for fun and quick wit. So many of his friendships stood the test of time.
Jerry spent recent years with his daughters and grandchildren. He had no doubt that his grandkids were brilliant because they were his. As friends checked in with him over the recent years, that meant a lot. Remembrances of times past were never dull.
Jennifer & Julie thank Jerry's circle of friends for their kindness over the years.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment private at Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
Monday
St. John of the Cross Church
10:00 - 11:00 am
Monday
St. John of the Cross Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Visits: 10
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