Joseph Michael Bechina passed away July 4, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born September 7, 1937 to the union of Joseph and Catherine (O’Brien) Bechina in Chicago, Illinois.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Margaret (nee Sims) Bechina as well as his parents, brother Jack (Noreen) Bechina and nephew Steve Bechina. He is survived by his children Marty Bechina (Suzanne), Dan Bechina (Ellen), and Joellen Camden (Paul) as well as 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1955 and attended college at Creighton University before graduating from Chicago Teachers College (Chicago State University.)

Following his graduation, Joe began his teaching career in 1960 while working toward his Master’s Degree and Principal’s Certification.

In the midst of his career in education, an opportunity arose within the Chicago Public Schools in the field of video, film, and radio. He transitioned to this in the early years of video, lugging 50-pound reel-to-reel video recorders to lead in-service meetings for educators across the district.

Radio station WBEZ, owned by Chicago Public Schools, was looking to expand and called upon Joe who became a charter member of National Public Radio. He did this for several years, focusing on fundraising and community outreach through events like Chicagofest and Taste of Chicago.

Eventually, Joe felt called to get back into the schools and spent the last decade of his career as a school principal and retired from the education system in 1992.

In his early retirement, Joe worked the golf season at Green Meadows in Westmont for a number of years. Many common experiences helped him befriend many of the regulars including Jimmy Piersall, with whom he could surprisingly share many common experiences.

Joe was very proud to have grown up in “the old neighborhood” at 24th and Princeton in Chinatown. He grew up in a Two Flat with his brother Jack as well as cousins Mel, Mike, and MarieLou. As the oldest of the five, Joe recognized the importance of setting a good example- a trait he carried with him throughout his lifetime.

Joe donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.

Joe was a founding member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Darien, Illinois where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on August 22, 2025.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Downers Grove at 630-964-6500.