Donald Brozek

Donald E. Brozek, Sr.

July 15, 1931–April 27, 2026

Donald E. Brozek passed away on April 27, 2026, at the age of 94, concluding a life defined by devotion to family, a commitment to hard work, and passionate independence.

Donald shared 69 years of marriage with his wife Mary (née Sulka) before her passing in 2023. Their marriage was central to his life, and family remained his greatest source of pride and fulfillment.

Donald was a devoted father to Donald, Jr. (Diana), Thomas (Judy), and Gary (Jenny Good.) He was the beloved brother of Lorraine (Lorry) Johnson (Richard / Dick) and the late James Brozek (Joan). He was a loving grandfather to Jessica Boersma (Scott), Nick, Alex Widdel (Brad), Tanya Crewe, Stephanie Melone (Jay), Thomas (Andrew McKay), and Scott (Chelsey).

He was also the cherished great-grandfather of 10: Brandon, Annie, Adrian, Evelyn, Westley, Owen, Jack, Andrew, Vada, and Buffy. He took great pride in family and their many accomplishments.

A lifelong resident of Markham, Illinois, he began his education there at McClaurghy Elementary School. He completed his education at Thornton high school in 1948, then worked briefly before entering the United States Marine Corps in December of 1951. He left the Marines as a corporal with an Honorable Discharge in 1953. He returned to Markham and began a long career as a carpenter, eventually owning his own carpentry / contracting business, before retiring in 1996.

Shortly after returning to Markham, he met Mary. They were married on October 9, 1954. They soon began construction on a home on a large lot adjacent to that of his parents, James and Mamie. Don, with the aid of other tradesmen friends and colleagues, eventually completed the work in 1960. By that time, the family numbered five, following the birth of their three sons.

Don, Sr. and Mary did much to care for his parents as they aged. He also often spoke fondly of Markham and his involvement in the city during its post-war Baby Boomer heyday. He coached his sons in a thriving Little League baseball program. He and Mary had a large circle of friends.

Don inherited his love of bowling from his father and participated in a weekly Friday night league, first in Blue Island and then at Oak Forest Bowl. Throughout most of his adult life he continued to compete. Quite accomplished at the sport, he was frequently listed among the top bowlers in the league and rolled a perfect 300 game. In retirement, he also participated in a men’s golf league. He has the somewhat rare distinction of having bowled a perfect game and making a hole-in-one in golf.

He enjoyed sports of all kinds, was a fiercely loyal to (and frequently frustrated by) the Chicago White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. He saw each of those teams reach the pinnacle in winning a World Series, Super Bowl, and NBA championship during his lifetime.

Long after most would have paid for lawn services, Don could be found most days on his John Deere mower, manicuring his grass. His home was his pride and joy, and he took on its maintenance, often risking life and limb (according to Mary) in taking on jobs that most younger men wouldn’t.

Along with his fierce independent streak, he also had an enormous soft spot in his heart, especially for dogs. He was as loyal to Peppy, Scarlet, Bear, Boomer and the two Kadies as they were to him. He also welcomed other family pets at the house and took great enjoyment in their antics.

In addition, he loved music and played the organ as a means to relax. In retirement, he became an avid reader. He was a big fan of mysteries and legal thrillers, often trying to puzzle out who done it for hours on end before turning the final pages.

Donald Brozek will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He willingly helped neighbors and friends with a variety of home-related tasks and projects. A devoted Catholic, he combined his faith and his skills in helping with a renovation of the parish church, St. Gerard Majella. He served on Markham’s Zoning Commission to ensure that his hometown and its building practices were equitable and exacting.

Often a man of few words, he let his actions speak loudly. A man who was good with hands, a deep thinker, and problem solver, he was as solid and reliable as the many homes he built for others. They, and he, offered shelter and comfort, an anchor that held families firm through good times and bad. He was a foundation on which his family built, thriving and benefitting from his devotion and leadership.

His legacy lives on through the homes he built and the generations who have, and will continue, to enjoy his handiwork, his craftmanship, and his high standards.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity the family has held dear—the Special Olympics of Illinois. https://www.soill.org/ways-to-give/.

A chapel and grave-side service will be held on Saturday May 2nd at 11:00 AM. The location is Saint Casimir Catholic Cemetery, 4401 W. 11th Street, Chicago, IL 60655