George A. Fundich

George A. Fundich, 78, of Estero, FL passed away on January 26, 2024, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers, FL. He was born in Chicago, IL on September 12, 1945, the son of George and Charlotte (Dambek) Fundich. On September 24, 1966, George married the love of his life, Barbara J. Dickson, and they were happily married for over 57 years. He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Ft. Myers, FL since becoming a Florida resident in 2009. George was a machinist by trade. After completing his apprenticeship, he began his career with the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in 1969. His career spanned 30 years when he retired in 1999. He also enjoyed a second career as a construction inspector for a civil engineering firm from 2000-2006. In his early years, George was active in numerous sports including high school baseball and archery, and later, in adult softball, golf, and bowling leagues. He was also musically talented, playing bass guitar in local bands throughout Chicagoland for nearly a decade, and later became involved in the business of booking local musicians at multiple venues. Family was most important to George. He was a dad very involved with his children. He was the biggest fan at his daughter’s and son’s gymnastics meets. He was a Troop Leader for his son’s Boy Scout Troop and managed their Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams. His family-focused tradition continued with his grandchildren. He made sure he and Barb traveled throughout the country to see the “travel ball” games of both grandsons, as well as the gymnastic competitions of both granddaughters. George was a great guy! He had many interests, but he always found time to cheerfully lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. He was an avid boater and fisherman. He served on the Bridge and was a former Commodore of the Calumet Yacht Club in Chicago. He loved to travel – especially on cruises. During retirement, videography set to music became another one of his interests, in which he commemorated precious photos, events, and travels for his family and many friends, too. George moved to Estero’s Belle Lago community in 2009. Since then, he served on several committees and on Belle Lago’s Board of Directors. He was well-known and respected for his tireless efforts in identifying significant drainage issues preceding Hurricane Irma and then working with village officials to resolve the issues. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara J. Fundich of Estero, FL; two sons, Aaron E. Fundich (Diana) of Elmhurst, IL, and Paul A. Fundich (Tami) of Dyer, IN, one daughter, Jennifer L. Karkazis (Dean) of Park Ridge, IL; his four grandchildren, Christopher Fundich, Matthew Fundich, Alexis Fundich and Samantha Karkazis. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Trojan (Norma) of Caledonia, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 23, 2024, at 1:30 P.M. at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community. Burial will follow in the Memorial Garden at Our Lady of Light. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Harry Chapin Food Bank: www.harrychapinfoodbank.org To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

George A. Fundich

September 12, 1945 - January 26, 2024