Julian P. Avelis

Age 81 of Godley, Illinois, formerly of Chicago, Matteson, Crete, and Peotone, Illinois, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at his home.

Born July 24, 1943 in Chicago, Julian Paul was a son of Julius and Helen (Kushmeider) Avelis. He was raised in the Chicago neighborhoods of Bridgeport and McKinley Park and graduated from Chicago Vocational High School with Dick Butkus in the Class of 1961. Julian worked as a manager at McBrady Engineering in Rockdale, Illinois for twenty-three years, and was granted 9 different patents in his career with the company.

Julian was happiest performing on stage with local music act, The Pack Rats, where he was known as 'Mr. 50s.' At home, he enjoyed repairing fishing rods he'd recover on his daily visits to the lake. Upon turning 80, Julian became the oldest member to ever work out with the Channahon chapter of F3 Fitness. He cherished spending time with his family and sang karaoke every chance he could.

Survivors include three children: Rachel (fiancé, Rick) Avelis, Peter Avelis, and Joseph Avelis; four grandchildren: Alex, Emma, Gus, and Joshua; one brother, Richard (Robin) Avelis, and his Pack Rat bandmates, Terry Lape and Joe Kazda.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Shirley Avelis and Victoria McCallig; and two sons: Paul and Anthony Avelis.

Graveside services will be held at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery,6001 W. 11th Street, in Alsip, Illinois, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., where Julian will be laid to rest with his parents.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Julian’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.