Chester Szyska
Chester Stanley Szyska, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 21st surrounded by his family. Chester was the beloved husband of Arlene (Blaszynski) for over 57 years; loving and devoted father of Daryl and Cheryl (Scott) Longstreet; cherished grandfather of Samantha (Drew) Holden, Jessica, Matthew and Abby and Paige Longstreet; loving great-grandfather of Jay; and fond uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his devoted brother Tom and sister-in-law Joann. A friend to everyone he met. Preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary (Szabat) and his siblings and in-laws, Leo (Anne), John (Evelyn), Helen (Ted) Sklade, Eugene (Alice), Ray (Jeanette), and his nephews Jaime & Bob, and niece LeAnne.
A lifelong Chicagoan, Chester attended Holy Trinity High School playing football and basketball. Also, attended UIC at Navy Pier before becoming a Serviceman in the Army. Trained to be a medic in Frankfurt, Germany (allegedly turning down an offer to be a Polish spy) and played basketball for the Army-Air Force team throughout Europe, coming in 2nd place. Started his career at Thillens money courier service and then retired from Midwest Bank and Trust in Elmwood Park after 35 years working tirelessly 6 days a week as the operations manager. Enjoyed many a Bank golf outings always coming home with a trophy. Devout parishioner, usher and the fastest money counter for Sunday collections at St. Thecla Church.
Member of the Knights of Columbus, St. John Brebeuf Church-North American Martyrs – 4th degree. Loved road trips to Wisconsin, especially Door County and Fond du lac, with friends and family. Lifelong Bears fan and enjoyed season tickets with his brothers Ray & Tom. Devoted University of Notre Dame football fan and a Super fan of any sport or theater event his beloved grandson and granddaughters enjoyed. If he couldn’t be watching a grandchild’s event, he was happy watching weekend football or a western with a bag of chips, chocolate chip cookies or a boloney sandwich or standing at his grill cooking ribs and pork chops for his family with a cold Old Style. Named his beloved English Pointer “Duke” after his favorite actor and enjoyed a 1000 viewings of The Quiet Man. Spent countless hours fishing with his son, granddaughters, grandson and brothers in Wisconsin and Canada and enjoyed many family deer hunts where his only worry was running out of sandwiches as he watched the deer go by. His love of eating was only surpassed by his love of singing, especially Christmas carols with his granddaughters, and the joyful tunes of the 1950’s of which he knew every word. Even sang on stage with Anita Bryant in Branson and stole the show. A man of few words, but always had a thank you for everyone one he met, as well as a few favorites sayings, like “never get old”.
Thank you to all of Norwood Crossing’s angels for their incredible kindness and his amazing care for 2 years – especially Sarah, Teresa and Gail. And a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice for a peaceful end to his journey.
Visitation Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 26, starting with prayers at 9:15 A.M., followed by procession to St. Juliana Church, for 10:00 A.M. Mass. Entombment will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery Mausoleum, in Niles, IL. for info 773-774-0366