Obituary: Vid Rapsys

We learned today that IACAC President in 1968, Vid Rapsys, passed away last weekend. On a personal note, he worked at Kintetsu alongside my father back in the 70's. I remember Vid by name and reputation even if I don't remember him by face. Visitation and services are this weekend.


Vidmantas "Vid" Rapsys Died February 19, 2017, in his home in Naperville, IL, ten days short of his 77th birthday. Lived long years in Chicago and Downers Grove, IL, and lately by Paw Paw lake, Coloma, MI. He was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, on Feb. 29, 1940--a Leap year baby. Vid and his family came to the United States in 1949, after witnessing the horrors of WWII in Germany. The family settled in Chicago, where two uncles and an aunt awaited them. Vid graduated in 1958 from the prestigious Marianapolis Academy in Thompson, Connecticut, then attended the Illinois Institute of Technology for two years. Vid was a pioneer in the then emerging air cargo industry. He started his career in 1960 with Circle Airfreight Corp. in Chicago. Later, also in Chicago, he worked many years for the Japanese corporate giant Kintetsu, as chief air cargo representative in the United States. He also supervised air cargo agents in West Germany, Hong Kong and South Africa. In 1973 Vid almost singlehandedly set up the highly successful Kintetsu pavilion at the international air cargo expo at Navy Pier. In 1977 he opened his own air cargo agency: Amber Air International, Ltd., with warehouses and offices next to O'Hare airport in Rosemont, IL. His air freight ranged from small packages of life-saving drugs to gigantic machinery for gold mines. He was a member of the International Air Cargo Ass'n of Chicago and Rotary Int'l, under whose auspices he was invited to lecture on air cargo themes worldwide. In business travel alone, he visited more than 60 countries. For a time, he worked enthusiastically with Boy Scout troops in Chicago and was a graduate of the renowned Gilwell program for Scout leaders. (He became a Cub Scout in Germany, back in 1946.) Vid was also a lifelong golf enthusiast. Visitation Friday, February 24, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Petkus & Son Funeral Home, 12401 S. Archer Ave., Lemont, IL. (1-800-994-7600).

After 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday, February 25, Divine Savior Church, 6700 Main St., Downers Grove, IL, Vid will be laid to rest next to his wife, Anne Dunne, and his parents in the St. Casimir's Cemetery, 111th St. and Pulaski Rd., Chicago. Surviving in grief are son, Vidmantas Thomas and family (wife, Laura, son, Michael, daughter, Jessica); son, Ryan; brother, R. John Rapsys; nephews, Anthony Rapsys and family, Aldis Rapsys; niece and goddaughter, Ramona (Rapsys) Toner and family; nephews, Ryan and Robin Rapsys and their families; nephews, Steven and Brian Krieger and their families; niece, Laura Krieger; three cousins in Michigan; and two cousins in Lithuania.

Published in Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 23, 2017

Passing of Larry Contarsy, most recently of Scarbrough International

We wanted to let everyone know about the passing of a member of the trade community in Chicago. Larry ContarsyLarry Contarsy was most recently with Scarbrough International as their import manager, but also worked at Nippon Express, UTi Worldwide, Emery, Davies Turner and several other places. Services are this morning and burial is private. The full obituary is below, but donations can be made in his memory to Colon Cancer Alliance Research and Education for Lynch Syndrome at this website.

You can also leave a condolence message on the obituary page on legacy.com

Beloved husband of Chrysa (nee Halladay). Devoted father of Mary (Michael) Morgan, Carolyn and Anna (Scott Heath). He is also survived by his loving parents George and Joyce Contarsy and his mother-in-law Lorraine Halladay. His mother Carole (nee Freed) Contarsy preceded him in death. Dear brother of Elise (Cynthia Lynch), Sandra Wishnick, Susan Wishnick (Allen Steinberg) and Dana Wishnick. Doting and proud grandfather of Iden Heath and Willow Grace Morgan. In his professional life he was licensed by the United States Treasury Department as a Customs Broker. Larry's family, his many friends and colleagues loved, respected and admired him for his kindness and big heart. He was a passionate fan of Chicago sports teams and in particular derived great enjoyment watching his beloved Cubs this season. Donations in his memory may be made to Colon Cancer Alliance Research and Education for Lynch Syndrome ("CCARE"), http://www.fightlynch.org. Visitation Friday from 10 A.M.until time of Funeral Service 11 A.M. at Geils Funeral Home, 260 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale IL. Interment Private.

Death of Daniel Edward Mahal; services planned for Wednesday

We received the following sad news about the passing of Dan Mahal, brother of Steve Mahal of RAM International. Dan's career in the industry took him to three places, Northern Airfreight, Hellmann Worldwide and Expeditors International. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

His wife passed away before him and they leave behind two daughters without parents. Hug your kids a bit tighter today.

Daniel Edward Mahal, age 52, of Lombard

Daniel Edward Mahal, age 52, of Lombard died July 17, 2015.


A Memorial Visitation will be Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St, Lombard. Daniels’s Memorial Mass will be Thursday at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St, Lombard.


Daniel is survived by his two daughters, Miranda and Janah; his mother, Virginia; and his two brothers, Rick and Steve.


Daniel is preceded in death by his wife, Adriene.


Daniel lived life to the fullest and helped others with his contagious optimism. He valued his family above all. Daniel added to it when he married the love of his life, Adriene and had two daughters, Miranda and Janah. Now he is reunited with Adriene in Heaven.


For more info 888-629-0094.