Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language Blogger
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices Health
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? Blogger
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Baby Boomers
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger

Goodbye to ‘Mr. Summit’

Posted on April 25, 2019June 12, 2019 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Goodbye to ‘Mr. Summit’
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Goodbye to ‘Mr. Summit’

Memorial Saturday for late fire chief Nemeth 

By Steve Metsch

The man that many around town call “Mister Summit” will be honored on Saturday.

John M. Nemeth Jr., former fire chief of Summit, who also worked in public works and was a part-time police officer in the village, died earlier this year in downstate Illinois, where he had retired.

On Saturday, his many friends in the village of Summit will say goodbye on John Nemeth Day.

A viewing of photographs will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the firehouse, 7339 W. 59th St., with a memorial presentation starting at noon.

After that, a procession will head toward Summit Park for some light refreshments in the Sparks Building or at the pavilion, weather permitting.

Memories will be plenty for Summit Deputy Fire Chief Frank Batura.

“I’ve known him for more than 50 years. We were in Argo High School together,” Batura said in the fire house last week. “We didn’t hang out in high school. He was from the Summit side and I was from the Argo side of the tracks, but we went back quite a while.”

They spent decades working together on the fire department.

“I can’t say enough good things about him. He’d give you the shirt off his back. When people talk about John, they’ll say what a great guy he was, because he was,” Batura, 69, said.

 

Summit will remember late fire chief John Nemeth, Jr., with a ceremony Saturday. Supplied photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nemeth, 69, died on March 3 in Baptist Health in Paducah, Ky. He had complications from kidney disease, Batura said. Nemeth was on dialysis three days a week and needed a kidney transplant, Batura said.

Nemeth had retired to downstate Golconda with his wife Ruth (nee Keena). They were married 50 years. “Hopefully, she’s going to make it up here,” Batura said.

Although he lived far from his roots, Summit was always a part of Nemeth.

“He used to come up here and work shifts during holidays to give the guys days off,” Batura said. “He would still do that until he needed dialysis. But that’s the kind of guy John was. And, truthfully, when he came up here, there was a revolving door of people stopping in to tell him hello.”

In 1969, the then 19-year-old Nemeth began working for the village as a garbageman. He worked his way to the water department and started working for the fire department in 1970.

“He knew everyone in town and every address in town from reading all those water meters,” Batura said.

Nemeth retired as fire chief in 2004, but was active on the department until 2016 when he and his wife moved.

Even then, he was still active, working for the Pope and Hardin county ambulance service until 2018, and the fire departments of Pope County and Golconda.

Back in Summit, Nemeth was an EMT for the fire department from 1975 to 2016, and a part-time police officer from 1979 to 2016.

“Police used to walk ‘The Ramp’ when they had all the bars there. They’d walk in pairs, go into the bars, make sure everything was fine. That was part of their job, walking the beat,” Batura said.

And if things got tense, “he could calm down any situation,” said Batura, who fondly recalls fishing on the Chain o’ Lakes with his friend.

A tree will be planted in Nemeth’s memory in Legion Park, with a plaque nearby, Batura said.

The fire department is planning to remember Nemeth.

“We’re going to put a post and name the driveway to our parking lot ‘John Nemeth Memorial Drive’,” Batura said.

“He was at every fire. He was a leader, and anybody would follow him.”

— Desplaines Valley News

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township student - May 11, 2023
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:"Mister Summit", ceremony, Fire Chief John Nemeth, summit

Post navigation

Previous Post: TIF heats up Willow Springs
Next Post: Chicago Wolves face Iowa Wild in second-round finals

Related Posts

  • Chicago Wolves showcase Italian Heritage night on Saturday Oct. 16, 2021
    Chicago Wolves celebrate Italian Heritage Night Saturday Oct. 16, 2021 Chicago
  • Ken Getty 2021 80th birthday celebration
    Ken Getty celebrates his 80th birthday Events
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving. Specializing in Fathers' Rights, Family Law, Child custody, divorce proceedings
    Leving Legal and law enforcement recover little girl for Dad Chicago
  • Democratic faithful rally News
  • CDC Image of girl sneezing. Coronavirus
    Illinois Health officials announce highest one-day COVID-19 totals – 4,015 new cases Business
  • The Shriners won't be driving their tiny cars on downtown streets  in the La Grange Pet Parade this year. Organizers are taking it virtual, as the live parade has fallen victim to the coronavirus. Photo by Steve Metsch.
    Pet Parade in September News

More Related Articles

Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones challenges Rashida Tlaib in the Aug. 4, 2020 Democratic Primary. Photo courtesy of BrendaJones campaign Rashida Tlaib faces tough re-election challenge from Brenda Jones elections
Scorching fun in Bridgeview Festival
SRA Dave Orth (L) and SRA Clarence Tolliver (R), members of the 60th Security Police Squadron's Base Swat Team, Travis Air Force Base wearing black uniforms stand with M-9 pistols ready behind covering foliage. They are participating in a simulated hostage (Released to Public) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Bridgeview police search for armed suspect Crime
Railroad “flyover” discussed News
Railroad flyover discussed News
Holiday Parade downtown Davenport, Iowa Nov. 20, 2021 “Oh, What Fun” Festival of Trees is Back to Usher in the Holiday Season in the Quad Cities  Entertainment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language
    June 6, 2023
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?
    June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”
    June 2, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023 Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is "off the rails on a crazy train" Orland Pa... posted on June 2, 2023
  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7
    June 3, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme