Final Salute

Joseph P Alfirevich of Homer Glen, Illinois. Born on January 5, 1934 and passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024 at the age of 90.

Joseph was the dearest son to the late Katherine and Peter Alfirevich. Devoted husband to the late Mary M. Alfirevich and loving father to Mary Jo (Robert) Fasan, John (Christine) Alfirevich, Kathy Jo (Timothy) Bradley, the late Helen Marie Alfirevich and Joseph (Lori) Alfirevich. Proud grandfather of Johnny, Olivia and Joey Alfirevich; Aidan and Dylan Bradley; and Ava, Peter and Paulie Alfirevich. Loyal brother to the late Helen (Mike) Rapaich and the late John Alfirevich. A wonderful uncle and friend to many.

Joe was born on Chicago’s East Side on January 5, 1934. He attended Bowen High School, where he met the love of his life, Mary Sudar. They married on May 27, 1961 and spent the next 62 years growing in love and partnership.

Joe was a wonderful husband, father, and Papa. He lived a full life guided by a big heart, good instincts, and a songful soul. He was a risk-taker, a hard worker, a tough negotiator, a giver, a dreamer, and a believer. Together with his beloved Mary, they would raise their five children based on a steady rhythm of family tradition, pride in heritage, faith in God, and a strong sense of purpose and principle.

Joe set high goals and believed in fighting for what he believed in. He also knew the importance of taking stock and recalibrating the journey if necessary. But he never, never gave up on anything he set his heart to achieve.

Joe was bigger than life with a personality that filled a room. Affectionately known throughout his life as “Alfee,” he was an epic event planner who understood the power of community and the importance of friendship. A big-time Chicago sports fan, he enjoyed every opportunity he could hang out with the guys. Joe loved being a merry memory maker and knew how to lift spirits through celebration. He made sure every party – from tailgates to Christmas gatherings – brought a sense of joy and belonging to all who attended.

Joe absolutely relished in his Croatian heritage and sought to bring its food, music, and culture to all who crossed the threshold of his hospitality. Fluent in the language, he was well-known for his booming voice and the many Croatian songs he so loved to sing. He is recognized by many to have made the song “Zivio” – always accompanied with a shot of slivovitz – a signature of his presence at every gathering.

His legacy as a devoted husband, father, brother and friend was only matched by his accomplishments as a businessman. In 1974, Joe, together with his business partner, Bob Motl, found a plot of land off a two-lane road in a township called Tinley Park. Surrounded by farmland and prairie, few could see Joe’s vision – which was to build an auto dealership where nothing existed. It was a tough sell, but Joe was an even tougher salesman. Together with a scrouged-up down payment and a dream, they laid the foundation for what is now Apple Chevrolet. Since then, that dusty road from 1974 has become a destination for car dealerships of every make and model.

As his business grew, so did Joe’s responsibilities to the auto industry he loved. He served on the board of directors for the Chicagoland and NW Indiana Chevrolet Dealers Association from 1985 to 1998 where he was also elected vice president to the group’s advertising association (LMA). Additionally, he was a dedicated board member of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association from 1989 to 2013, serving as the organization’s Chairman in 1997.

Joe also devoted duty to his country as a Seabee for the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Philippines.

Among his favorite hobbies, he most loved to fish and golf. He participated in many fishing trips with his buddies, kids and grandchildren, throwing in hooks from Canada to Florida. He was also a proud member of Midlothian Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf and, on any given summer Sunday, could be seen enjoying a round with his son-in-law and daughter. He was an excellent putter.

But Joe’s greatest love and most precious blessing was his wife, Mary. For more than 62 years, they shared life’s highs and lows, made sacrifices, faced challenges, cheered triumphs, and celebrated milestones together. Always together. Every step of the way. They held each other up with courage, strength, and, most importantly, faith. When the Lord called Mary home just a few weeks ago, Joe was left with a broken heart that just couldn’t heal. With his passing, we are comforted in knowing they are holding hands, together again. Sharing a love that transcends time and place. And truly is forever.

One-day visitation is Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 1-7 p.m. at the Richard J. Modell Funeral Home and Cremation Services 12641 West 143rd Street Homer Glen, IL. Funeral services Monday, February 19, 2024, at Sacred Heart Croatian Catholic Church 2864 East 96th Street Chicago, IL where Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery.

We recognize that a huge part of Joe’s legacy lies in the spirit of giving that he demonstrated throughout his life. In lieu of memorial contributions, please feel free to direct any donations to a charity closest to your heart.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 15, 2024.