Peter Andrew Backulich, Jr.

Age 68 of Braidwood, passed away at home early on the morning of April 20^th, 2023 after a courageous battle with a number of increasingly difficult health conditions, surrounded, by his loved ones and the prayers of friends and family.

Born December 18, 1954 in Joliet, IL, Pete (lovingly called Cricket by his mother) was the only child of Peter and Betty (Meyer) Backulich. A long-time resident of Joliet and graduate of the Joliet school district, Pete moved his young family to Braidwood after both of his children were born and remained a resident there.

Throughout the years Pete worked in a number of industries - from helping at his father’s bait shop (Pete’s Bait Shop), to later running it himself, his love of outdoor activities especially fishing and hunting was cemented. His original First Mate, his daughter Tammie, was able (relieved) to pass the torch to her younger brother Pete. Starting a crawfish farm, continued the theme of outdoor related jobs. For some time Pete was a business owner, running Pete’s Pub in Joliet and Pete’s Treats. The City of Braidwood was lucky to have his expertise as a Code Enforcement Agent multiple times over the years. Then he found trucking. Making deliveries on cross country trips, he worked as a truck driver for many years. Even after retirement, Pete couldn’t be still. He shortened the routes, but remained a driver, making deliveries for Allegra Printing in Coal City.

A lover of 80’s and Classic Rock, his two children were raised with the genre as the soundtrack to much of their childhood. He never lost his love of freshwater fishing or of hunting deer and birds. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Pete and even those who just passed by his home, couldn’t fail to see his immaculately kept yard. He was a man who took immense pride and pleasure in his outdoor landscaping. Those who were lucky enough to have a special place in his life, were allowed into the inner sanctum which included the garage where you’d be likely to find him happily tinkering for hours on end. You’d also see that this was a man who believed in being prepared for EVERY contingency.  Not only were Pete’s hands always busy, but his mind as well. Always up for a game of Chess, he was able to pass his love of the game on to his son Peter. When it came to personality, Pete had a very particular chuckle that his friends and family will remember well.  He and especially his daughter Tammie were also quick to find the humor in life. Once you made into his heart, you were his for life and Pete would go to the ends of the earth for you.  

Pete was survived by his former wife and mother of his children Debbie Backulich,  daughter Tammie Backulich (Garcia) & her husband Jorge Garcia (Pete’s bonus son) and his son Peter Backulich III, his wife Brandi and his first granddaughter Stella Backulich and his long-time friend Bill Lowrey.

Special thanks must be extended to Lightways Hospice Care of Joliet, IL for helping Pete and his family by providing all the care, guidance and support they so desperately needed at the end of Pete’s journey. Every interaction with the Lightways care team proved time and again that they not only provided medications, but also genuine compassion and dignity when it was most needed.

Therefore, in lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you feel moved to make a donation to this organization. Please help us help Lightways to continue their mission and please remember that ALL lives are sacred and should be treated as such.

Cremation rites were accorded under the direction of Reeves & Baskerville in Coal City, IL and we are eternally grateful to the incredible professionals there who helped guide us thru this extremely emotional and often overwhelming process.

A private ceremony is being planned for close family and friends in hopes that we can spend some time together celebrating a lifetime of love, experiences and stories that would have brought out Pete’s signature chuckle.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Pete’s memorial page online through social media.