Obituary: Conrad Joseph Urban

FRANKFORT, IL — Conrad Joseph "Connie" Urban, MD, 88, passed away on Oct. 13, 2024, at Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine, Florida. Born in Chicago, he was a cherished winter resident of Florida before making it his permanent home four years ago, having previously lived in Frankfort.

Dr. Urban graduated from St. Rita's High School and did his undergraduate studies at Villanova University. He continued his education at the University of Illinois School of Medicine, earning a BSM and MD, followed by an Internship and Surgical Residency at the Illinois Central Railroad Hospital. After enlisting in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he proudly served as Chief of Surgery at Fort Monroe, Virginia (CONARC).

Following his honorable discharge, Dr. Urban entered private practice, serving at Illinois Central Hospital, Christ Hospital, South Suburban Hospital, and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. He was also a dedicated team physician for Marist High School and instrumental in establishing the EMT program in Illinois. His professional affiliations included the American College of Surgeons, Midwest Surgical Society, Illinois Surgical Society, Chicago Medical Society, and the USA-India Medical Society.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Urban was a passionate musician and accomplished vocalist. He founded and participated in various musical groups. He was a founder of the Villanova Singers, a founding member of Park Forest Singers, and member of the Downers Grove Choral Society, Holy Name Cathedral Choir, Rockefeller Chapel Choir at the University of Chicago and the Festival Choir at Interloichen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He also had the distinct honor to sing for Pope John Paul II in Chicago as well as in Rome and sang under renowned directors like Margaret Hillis.

He also had the pleasure of performing with his wife and sons in Musical Theater including writing and directing original musicals for St. Anne’s Parish fundraiser, “Showtime." In St. Augustine, he was an active member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir.

Dr. Urban was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund G. and Clementine Urbanowicz; his son, Jeffrey T. Urban; and two brothers, Edmund G. Urban, Jr. and Dr. Roman Urban.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Vicki Jo Urban of St. Johns, Florida; three children, Conrad Dominguez-Urban (Ileana) of Columbia, Maryland; Stephen Urban (Kathleen Conroy) of Oak Lawn; and Matthew Urban (Margaret) of St. Johns, Florida; and six grandchildren, Alexander Urban, Delaney Versluis, Kaleigh Urban, Luke Urban, Abigail Urban, and Zachary Urban.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 23, at St. John's Family Funeral Home, with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m. A memorial mass will take place at 9 a.m. on Oct. 24, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, located at 5205 A1A S, St. Augustine, Florida.