Visitation Information

John J. Hebda

Passed away on August 25, 2024

John J. Hebda, age 70, of St. John, Indiana passed away on August 25th, 2024 at home after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). He was a loving husband, Dad, Pa, brother and Uncle.  John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Elisabeth Hebda, his children John (Sarah) Hebda, Kristen (James) Reese, Joseph (Dana Moreno) Hebda; his loving grandchildren Olivia, Emmie, and Ava Reese, and Jack and Addison Hebda; his sister Candace (Robert) Derezinski, sister-in-law Maria (Bill) Uhoda, Mary (late Michael) Hebda, brother in law Michael (Jennifer) Filipovic; fond uncle of many nieces and great nieces & great nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Irene (Bliznik) Hebda and his brother Michael Hebda.

John was born on July 4, 1954, and grew up on the south side of Chicago in the Vets Park neighborhood.  He began his working career as a stock boy at Red Star Pharmacy, foreshadowing his future career as a Pharmacist.  He graduated from Bowen High School and became the first member of his family to attend and finish college, graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a pharmacy degree with high honors (Rho Chi).  His hard working nature started at an early age, as he worked throughout college at pharmacies in the Newman chain and US Steel.  Upon graduating, he continued working at pharmacies in the Newman chain.

In 1984, John purchased Consumers pharmacy, fulfilling his dream of being an entrepreneur and owning a pharmacy with his longtime friend and business partner, Jim Borgetti.  John remained there, running Consumers Pharmacy until 2006 when it was purchased by Walgreens. He had many loyal customers and employees because he stressed customer service, caring for both customers and employees as if they were part of his own family.  Throughout his career he also mentored many to go into pharmacy and encouraged many to go to college. After selling Consumers, John worked at Walgreens and Costco before retiring when he was 62.

The strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents served him well throughout his career and family life. He was a Jack of all trades, fixing anything: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cars, and more. And when he didn’t know how to fix something, he’d ask around and learn how to do so.  However, he always found a way to balance work with family time and socializing. 

John always put family first and was proud of all his children and grandchildren. He especially loved spoiling his grandchildren and watching their sporting, school events and recitals.  He leaves behind a legacy of good friends and many people whose lives he touched during all stages of his life. He loved hosting Super Bowl parties, pool parties, 4th of July celebrations, the Saint John Las Vegas night and the famous Hoghead open golf outing.  Whenever he hosted or planned an event, you were sure you’d never leave hungry, thirsty, or without a smile on your face.  Before you could finish a drink he would have another in front of you, and was always asking friends and family to have one more before they left. In addition to always making sure everyone around him was having a good time, John also loved his second home on Manasota Key, a cold Miller Lite and a good game of cribbage.

His family would like to extend special gratitude to Dr. Jori Fleisher and the entire Palliative Care team at Rush who work tirelessly to help their patients with movement disorders and to Emily, his caring Hospice Nurse, who cared for him during his final months.  

Visitation Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel.  Funeral Services Friday, August 30, 2024 with prayers at 9:15 am from the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. to Holy Name of Jesus Church, Cedar Lake, IN.  Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am.  In lieu of plants and flowers, his family asks that you consider a donation to the Cure PSP foundation (www.psp.org) in memory of John.  For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com