Collin Christopher Rajcevich-Ungaretti was born November 4, 1989 in Chicago, Illinois and died September 16, 2012 in Brookfield, Illinois. He was the son of Kimberly (nee Rajcevich) and Dale Schwer II of Brookfield; and Paul and Carol Ungaretti of Oak Park.
Collin, from his earliest years, was making an indelible mark on the people in his life with his silly humor, incredible curiosity, intellect, stubborn tenacity, and the exuberant manner in which he approached all things that sparked a passion in him. His desire to understand life and the world around him could be seen even then as he, with an almost professorial manner, would entertain his family and friends with his findings on science and the animal kingdom.
As Collin moved through life he discovered a talent and love for art. In his freshman year of high school he was accepted into the Chicago Academy for the Arts- a wonderful accomplishment. There he not only developed his skill as an artist, but developed relationships that would be a source of lasting inspiration and strength to him. Art and his friends were a valuable outlet for him to explore and find release from his growing frustrations, emotional pain and sense of isolation. Collin sought many different ways to tame the turmoil that took hold of him and eventually turned to drugs as his means of escape.
On Sunday, September 16, Collin died of a drug overdose in Brookfield. The years leading up to his death were marked by wonderful highs, and heart breaking lows that were felt even more deeply by the many people who loved him. He had an incredible ability to find his way into the hearts of those he encountered with his amazing smile, wonderfully silly humor, and wisdom beyond his age. These people became his supporters and, along with his family, prayed and hoped that he would find a way to free himself from the addiction that slowly began to define his life. Although he wanted desperately to understand his own existence and to find deeper meaning behind a life that he struggled to both endure and find freedom from – such peace of mind eluded him.
He was particularly grateful for the relationship he eventually developed with his adoring younger sister, Autumn. She brought a light to his life that could be seen in his face whenever they were together. The void that he will leave in the lives of those who loved him cannot compare to the joy and memories that his life had bestowed.
Collin is survived by: his parents and sisters, Autumn Rajcevich-Schwer and Natalie Ungaretti; brother, James Ungaretti; His grandparents, Richard and Noren Ungaretti, Chicago; Sharon Fuchs, Brookfield; David and Morgan Rajcevich, Fulton; Audrey Ungaretti, Oak Park; Dale and Patricia Schwer Jr., Chicago; his gr. grandmother, Harriet Rajcevich, Clinton, IA; his aunts, Amber Rajcevich, Fulton; Dr. Joy (Chris Levy) Ungaretti, Oak Park; Valerie (Todd) Koleno, Tinley Park; and his uncle Steven (Andrea) Schwer, Hanover Park.
Visitation Friday, September 21, 2012, 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Saturday, September 22, 2012, 11 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, Funeral Saturday 11:30 A.M. Interment private. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to The Chicago Academy for the Arts, 1010 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 or The IDHHB Institute, PO Box 370, Nevada City, CA 95959. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
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We are extremely sorry for your loss and the pain that you’re suffering during this difficult time. Our hearts, thoughts & prayers are with everyone of Collin’s loved ones & friends. God is good. He knows what’s best even though we don’t always understand his plan for each & every one of us. Rest in peace, Dear One. Sincerely, Jim & Judy Moore
I am so sorry about Collin. In high school, he was a very wise person to talk to. We had really good conversations in the back of our math class. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Dearest Kimberly, Dale, Autumn,
You are in our prayers. Our condolences are thoughts are with you always. Collin was a creative kid that always had a unique way to look at things that had magic in it!
Please let us know anything that you need. We are here for you.
Felicia, Jeffrey and Alyssa Pfluger
I am so sad and sorry for your loss Paul, Carol and extended family. My prayers for comfort and solace are with you.
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. My prayers are with you all as they have been with Colin. You are a wonderful family and will be a source of strength for each other.
Dear Dale and Family:
All we can do is say that we are with you in our prayers and thoughts and hope you and all your family can find some peace and comfort at this time.
Dale:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My Prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you all find Peace, comfort,and Strength.
Dear Dale and Family:
Although it is impossible to see beyond your pain. May you look back to good memories to comfort and help you today.
May your heart and soul find peace and happiness. May the blessings of God be upon you. May peace be always within your soul. May its essence illuminate your heart. Now and forever more. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CONFORTING ARMS.
you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Collin spent much time at our home while he was in Eureka Springs, he was a sweetheart and he will be missed by many here. Know that he touched many lives during his much too short life. May God bless you all
Kim, Dale and Autumn
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Collin was a sweet and creative kid. Remember your good times with him and know that he is being a special guardian angel for Autumn now.
The Pignato Family
What a beautiful tribute to a very special kid…I’ll always remember Collin as a young boy but, yes, wise beyond his years. I did not see him often but he was always someone that I felt I could connect with. Through all the searching he did and the journeys he took (even to the darkest places) to understand things better, the last time I breifly spent time with him I saw his yearning to connect…it may have been masked in many ways through the years but I experienced it as particularly present on that day. The depth to Collin at such a young age is not ordinary, it’s what made Collin different in an extroordinary way. No matter what else he might have been up to or what was going on in his life, Collin gave it away in his eyes and in the softness of his smile. There his innocence was revealed and so was the big heart he had. There was a lightness to his being and a gentleness that seemed central to the Collin I saw. Collin, I hope you have found the peace you deserve and know that there are many of us here who would have really wanted the opportunity to get to know you more because you always seemed like a pretty neat person. You will not be forgotten.
May Collin rest in peace.
Please know that he has been in our prayers over the last years, and he was a miracle.
His brief life here touched many.
God Bless you and your family.
Best regards,
Sincerely,
Karen Akason,
family and friends,
952-210-4972
Savage, MN 55378
I taught Collin at the Academy…he stood out as a uniquely inspired kid — he did so in a school of super unique kids. I finally taught him his junior year. In our work together that year, he displayed his inventiveness, and I was happily to learn it was tempered with a kind heart, and a wish to see ‘the magician’s hand’ in life’s illusions.
I will always remember his soft spoken words and our sincere conversations.
While I miss him, I am also grateful to have known him.
The loss of Collin has broken my heart. He was one of the most intelligent, creative, and hilarious people I have ever known. Every conversation with him taught me something new, or made me think of things in a different way. Without him there will always be a void in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are for you and your family in this time of need. May the thoughts of the good times comfort you and help you find peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope this prayer may fill your hearts with hope.
“God, bring comfort and peace. Peace is your essence. Peace is your name. Bring peace to this family who has lost their precious child in death.
We come to you, God because we know that you sorrow, and are acquainted with grief. You too have endured the loss of a child. You empathize.
We can’t help but ask, “Why?” Forgive our insistence, our confusion, even our anger. We believe that you are just, and we ache to understand how this tragic death is an expression of that justice, how it expresses your love. We also know – in our minds at least – that you seldom answer the “why?” question. We press you, but on these matters you are mostly silent.
What we ask instead is “how?” How can we move forward? How can this bring us together and not tear us apart? How can we now live under the shadow of this untimely death? Answer this prayer with your comfort and guidance.
There is no way to remove the pain. The grief is real. The only sanity is to know, to believe, in a life beyond with you, when all the scales are righted and the sufferings are made good. We trust you and your promise that while this child’s life on earth is done, his life beyond has just begun. With that release we lose him and let him go into your arms, then by faith receive in return the boundless comfort of your presence. That is all, that is enough. In Jesus.”
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dale and Family,
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayer during these difficult times. Remember all the good times you shared together. He is now in Gods loving hands. May his soul rest in peace.
Members of the York Center Fire Protection District.
We are very sorry for your loss. May god help you get through your pain and suffering. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers. To Autumn you now have an guardian angel watching over you.
R.I.P to your heart and soul Collin.
Too sad , he`ll be badly missed, dont know what else to say. loved this guy like a brother.
so sorry for all of you too , i know its difficult.
So very sad to hear of Colin’s passing. Our love goes out to his family and friends who are grieving the loss of such a sweet, kind and loving soul. He will be missed by all who’s lives he touched.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Praying that God will fill your hearts with peace & comfort.
I’d hoped Collin & I could a been closer. He taught me several sweet & bittersweet lessons. I guess it’s ok now to say that I loved him & didn’t want anything from him. I hope you guys keep his boundless enthusiasm in your hearts.
The Hawkins family are all very saddened for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
The first time I met him I gave him a ride in Eureka Springs and new that this kid had it. I enjoyed a myriad of nights chasing adventure and good conversation with him. Painting city property by moonlight is one of the best memories. I am filled with woe. We were the same age. I am sorry for your family and other friends, Collin. Love.
Mi dispiace tanto Paul…un abbraccio
Dear Dale, Kim and Autumn. We are thinking of you and have your pain in our hearts. May God give you comfort and please know that you are not alone but have many people thinking and praying for you and may Collin live in your hearts forever! Much love.
Our prayers and condolences go out to Collin’s family. As a young child, his boyish grin and thirst for knowledge would captivate a room. This is the Collin I will always remember.
We are deeply saddened and send our prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Colin always made us smile and laugh in every encounter we had.Jason thought of Colin as a son figure and always offered his hand and ear to Colin. For myself, Summer, he brought my spirits up on days I felt my own burdens with a kind word or silly joke, leaving me smiling. We were blessed to have had him as a friend for this shortened time. This is not “goodbye”, but “see you later”. Our love is sent to you all.
My prayers are with you and your family
Collin is probably the most true and loyal friend I will ever have. I have never met anyone more loving and selfless. There is a hole in my life now that can never be filed. I will miss you more than you know. I’m sorry Kim, Dale, Autumn, grandma. I love and miss you all.