John Linzie Hoskins, son of James Edward Hoskins, Jr., and the late Nell Linzie Mclean Hoskins, was born April 1, 1964. He departed this life due to an auto accident while working on location in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on April 1, 2004.
John attended the Wilson county public schools. After graduation from E.T. Beddingfield High School, Wilson, NC, he went on to college and graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. Degree in accounting. John also received an M.A. in Computer engineering from DePaul University. John was employed with PeopleSoft, Inc. in Chicago, as a software consultant. John was involved in community service, including board positions with M.O.I.P. (Minority Outreach Intervention Project) and N.T. A.C. (New Town Alano Club), and most recently he volunteered as a literacy-program tutor.
John leaves to cherish his memories: his father Mr. James Edwards Hoskins of Saratoga, NC; three brothers and six sisters, including Mrs. Debra (Randolph) Hopkins of Huntingtown, MD, and a host of Chosen Family and friends in Chicago.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on May 15, 6 p.m; Rcoffma@core.com and chgo60626@aol.com for details.
Lake View resident Steve Dziekan died at home, suddenly, on April 6, at the age of 48. He is survived by his father, Steve, and sisters Mary Joan Marzalik, husband John, and their five children (by whom he was lovingly called ‘Uncle Pizza’); and Jean Lachowicz and husband Jim (also of Lake View). He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
Steve was a wonderful, vibrant, and kind person. He was someone who would light up a room as he entered—full of energy, hugs, and laughter. More than 500 people attended his services.
He was born in Chicago, graduated from Our Lady of the Snows grammar school, and St. Laurence High School. He attended Roosevelt University and graduated from UIC with a degree in Marketing. He was a salesperson by profession, and had been employed by Rentokil Initial Tropical Plant Rentals, and previously by Prescott Travel, Airborne, Champion Packaging, Marshall Fields, and for a time was co-owner of Fred’s Famous Flowers in Santa Fe, NM. He was also a volunteer and supporter of Camp Fire, and was particularly proud of the fact that Camp Fire is an inclusive organization that welcomes all children, youth, and adults, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or other aspects.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Steve Dziekan Diversity Fund, Camp Fire USA Metro Chicago Council, 203 N. Wabash, #1518, Chicago, IL 60601, www.campfirechicago.org.
A celebration of the life of Chicago women’s music and culture activist Joy Rosenblatt will be held Saturday, May 8, 3 p.m. at second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry, (773) 549-0260.