John George Svast

John George Svast, age 73, of Rockford, IL, passed away on November 13, 2023. He was born January 13, 1950 in Chicago, IL to his loving parents, John George Svast and Lorraine (née Fank) Del Ghingaro.

John graduated from Arlington High School, Class of 1967. He then joined the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam, on the USS Tutuila and USS Benewah, before being honorably discharged. He joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, working out of Local 399 before retiring in 2004.

John married his wife Valerie in Elgin, IL on Christmas Eve 1976. They were married almost 47 years, and together they raised four children.

John enjoyed playing golf and hockey; and also watching golf, hockey, and racing, as well as reruns of game shows and westerns on TV. He was smart, hardworking, and stubborn; and he truly shined when he was helping his fellow veterans. He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW, and proudly served as Past Commander of the West Chicago VFW Post 6791 and as VFW District 19 Service Officer. He was also a member of the Navy Club and the American Legion.

Though John may have been one of the most ornery men to ever live, he would’ve fought the devil himself for the ones he loved.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Svast; mother, Lorraine Del Ghingaro; and stepfather, Frank Del Ghingaro. He is survived by his wife, Valerie (née Wasinger) Svast; children, Cheri Pringle, Jeffrey (Danielle) Svast, John (Heather) Svast, and Michael Svast; sister, Pam Kelly; brothers, Perry Del Ghingaro and Frank Del Ghingaro; and grandchildren, Amanda Pringle, Alison Pringle, and Cora Svast.

John will be interred privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421. A Celebration of Life will be held in January (details forthcoming).

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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