George Hejny Obituary

George Joseph Hejny
Born: April 6, 1943 in Chicago, IL
Died: April 19, 2025 in Downers Grove, IL
George Joseph Hejny, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on April 19, 2025, in Downers Grove, Illinois. Born on April 6, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, George was the only son of Helen, nee Strenk, and George Anton Hejny. After the passing of his mother, his father married Martha (Glaser) Hejny. George is preceded in death by his parents. George's early years in Chicago laid the foundation for a life marked by intellectual curiosity and dedication to both family and faith. George started his education at Five Holy Martyrs in Chicago. He graduated from Saint Ignatius High School before pursuing higher education at Xavier University of Cincinnati and he earned a Master's degree in Computer Science at University of Chicago. His academic achievements led him into a pioneering career in computer programming. As part of the first generation of professionals to work with computers, George played a vital role in shaping the future of technology. Over the course of more than forty years in the telephone industry, he made significant contributions that left a lasting impact. Among his many accomplishments was his involvement in launching the Lucent 5ESS digital telephone exchange-a widely used innovation that earned him company recognition for outstanding achievement. A lifelong Catholic, George worshipped at St Mary of Gostyn Church in Downers Grove. His faith was central to his life and values. He raised his children within the Catholic tradition and ensured they received twelve years of Catholic education-an enduring testament to his commitment to spiritual and moral grounding. George shared his life with his beloved wife, Susan, nee Buitkus, Hejny. Together they built a home filled with love, learning, and adventure. George is survived by his children John (the late Cindy) Hejny, Judith (James) Vosicky, Jeffrey (Rachana) Hejny and his many grandchildren Laura (Thom) Kelly, Jessica (Ian) Bennett, Steven Yon, Jacob Hejny, Nicholas Hejny, Daniel Hejny, Jordan (Sreeruppa) Vosicky, Amanda (Eric) Mojica, Jared (Essence) Vosicky, Thomas Yon, Christina Hejny, and Mathew Hejny. His great-grandchildren are Jaxson Bennett, Dorothy Kelly, Caden Bennett, Dash Vosicky and Lake Vosicky. A devoted husband and father, George found joy in simple pleasures and meaningful traditions. Outside of work and faith, George had a deep love for reading. A frequent visitor to the library, he could often be seen returning home with a fresh stack of books each week-his thirst for knowledge never waned. Gardening brought him peace and purpose; his summer gardens were not only bountiful but also central to many family meals shared around the dinner table. Camping and fishing were among his favorite pastimes as well. Family vacations were often spent exploring the United States by camper-each journey an opportunity for discovery and togetherness. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Adams Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, located at 4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. A Funeral Mass will follow on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Mary of Gostyn Church, 445 Prairie Ave., Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton. George Joseph Hejny leaves behind a legacy of innovation, devotion to family and faith, and a life well-lived through quiet joys and steadfast values. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, (630) 968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.