Joseph Kapas, of Lombard, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 91, holding hands with his beloved wife, Theresa, just as they had walked through life together for nearly seven decades. His strength, resilience, humor, and love for family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Joseph was born on January 5, 1935, in Csongrád, Hungary, one of ten children born to János and Elizabeth Kapas. He was always proud of his service as a Hungarian Border Guard, where he was known for leading his fellow soldiers in cadence and song. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Joseph was forced to leave his beloved homeland and family, becoming one of more than 200,000 refugees seeking freedom. He eventually settled in Chicago, Illinois, where fate led him to meet the love of his life, Theresa, in English school. Family lore says Theresa helped him cheat on a test, and the rest was history.

Joseph built a successful career as a bricklayer and foreman, winning many awards . Beyond constructing buildings, he built opportunities for countless men who worked alongside him, mentoring and encouraging them throughout their careers. His work helped shape some of the Chicago area’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Arlington Park and Sportsman’s Park, and renovations at Wrigley Field, including the area behind home plate.

Joe loved the outdoors and found great joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cherished retreat in Necedah, Wisconsin. He spent his final years at Terra Vista Memory Care Center, where his strength of spirit, warm smile, and enduring sense of humor continued to shine through.

Joseph will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his joy in getting up to dance, and the stories and songs he shared from his Hungarian homeland. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need and never hesitated to teach a lesson when necessary. Family members still laugh about the worker he left behind for being one minute late to the carpool—a lesson so effective that the man was never late again for the next thirty years! He will also be remembered for his favorite sayings: “Take it easy,” and “What’s the hold up?”

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa Mary Kapas (née Toth); his daughters, Theresa Schopp, Barbara Kapas, and Elizabeth (Joe) Gilleran-Richmond; his grandchildren, Samantha (Erik) Warren, Jacob (Jessica) Schopp, Rachel (Matthew) Regenold, Jessica (John) Wilson, and Ashley (Lloyd) Lindgren; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Emily, Allison, Makayla, Madison, Wyatt, Lincoln, Riley, Charley, Wren, Peyton, Owen, Michael, Kevin, and Aldric.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Kapas, and his beloved grandson, Jonathan Gilleran.

Joseph’s life was a testament to courage, hard work, perseverance, and love. From a young refugee arriving in America with little more than hope, he built a life rich in family, friendship, and purpose. And in the end, after 67 years of marriage, he left this world the same way he lived it—with Theresa by his side, their hands joined, a final reflection of a love that endured a lifetime. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the family who loved him dearly.

May he rest in peace.
Visitation : June 11th, 3-7 pm
Hultgren Funeral Home
304 N Main Street
Wheaton Il 60187
630-668-0027

Funeral Mass: June 12th at 10 am
St Pius X Catholic Church
1025 E Madison st
Lombard, Il 60148

Queen of Heaven Cemetery
1400 S Wolf Rd
Hillside Il