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Mitchell R. Masalski obituary, Chicago, IL
Mitchell Masalski Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by The Original Rago Brothers Funeral Home - Northwest Location -Norridge Chap on Apr. 27, 2026.
Mitchell R. Masalski

Retired Chicago Police Department, District 18.

Mitchell R. Masalski, 78, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and CPD partner.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janett Masalski; their children Emily Masalski (Brian Chojnowski), Matthew Masalski, Loren Masalski, grandchildren Elsa and Jacob, nieces René Romero Schuler, Gina Kerschner, and nephew Jason Dardo. Preceded in death by his mother, Emily, father Matthew, sister Joan, mother-in-law Elsa, nieces Taña and Kristina.

Mitch cherished his extended CPD family, including his partner Nick Kitowski, Billy Warnock, Tommy Angelo, Chuck Gorski, Dennis Fitzgerald, the ROMEOs, Roman Foszcz, and his many dear friends.

Mitch was a proud graduate of Gordon Tech High School and served in the United States Air Force. He attended forest ranger school in Missoula, Montana for a year before returning home to be a caretaker for his mother. Mitch will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, and steady presence. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, neighbor, and friend, someone who could always be counted on.

In 1972, Mitch joined the Chicago Police Department where his greatest calling was to serve and to protect. He served alongside Kitowski and Gorski in the 18th District Ski Patrol (the name comes from the last syllable of their names). Mitch's adventures included the notable polar bear escape at Lincoln Park Zoo in 1976, plain clothes bike patrols, the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program, the Chicago Bulls championship runs, the 1996 Democratic National Convention alongside the Secret Service, and catching a 6-foot-long boa constrictor with a snake prod and a covered container. In the evenings, he often transported families to the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children's Hospital. After work, Mitch would race to be home with his family and could often be found with a large camcorder at their soccer games. In 2000, he was injured in the line of duty and forever missed his active "Ski Patrol" days.

He was an usher at St. Juliana, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, and the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael the Archangel Patron of Police Council #12173. In retirement, his Thursday lunches with the ROMEOs brought him joy and laughter. Mitch's life was marked by quiet strength, hard work, and a kind heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Chicago Fire Department emergency responders, the medical team, and nursing staff at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital for their heroic efforts in Mitch's final chapter of life. In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions may be offered at St. Juliana Catholic Church or donations made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation's IL-AFLAN (Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network), or the Ronald McDonald Lurie Children's Hospital Wish List. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30am at St. Juliana Catholic Church, 7201 N. Oketo Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631, on Saturday May 9, 2026.

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AND…

James M. Miller Profile Photo

James M Miller Retired CPD

Beloved husband Monica “MiMi”; loving father of Tony (Christine), Jillian (Nick) Galich, James (Jamie), Andrew, Christopher, Patrick, and Scott (Hannah); cherished grandfather of James, Maddie, Riley, John, Austin, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Nicholas, Cassidy, Kyla, Hailey and Elizabeth; adored great-grandfather of Zoey, Eliana and Annabelle; devoted son of the late James and the late Helga; dear brother of Dennis (Denise); fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Memorial visitation Friday, May 1, 2026, 3 PM to 7 PM at Richard J. Modell Funeral Home & Cremation service; 12641 W. 143rd St, Homer Glen. In lieu of flowers donations to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are appreciated.

Obituary | James M. Miller of Illinois | Richard J. Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services

AND…

Joan Bzdon Profile Photo

Joan Sykstus Bzdon passed away after a two-year illness on April 18, 2026. She enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling life of 80 years.

Born in Chicago on September 1, 1945, Joan was a lifelong resident of Chicago. Her great loves were her husband, Larry Bzdon, a retired Chicago firefighter who passed away two years prior to Joan, and her dog, Buddy. Joan and Larry raised pure bred rottweilers and always had one during the entirety of their 39-year marriage.

Joan graduated from Carl Schurz High School in 1963. Following high school, Joan attended Loyola University in Chicago where she graduated with honors in 1967. Following graduation, Joan worked for the State of Illinois in the immigration division where she retired after 30 years of service. Joan loved her home in Norwood Park, and she was very grateful and appreciative to have such great neighbors and close friendships over her many years there.

Joan will be remembered by family and friends as a woman of strength, grace, tenacity, resilience, passion, and determination. She was a smart and strong woman who enjoyed every aspect of her life.

Joan is survived by her nephews, Ron Sykstus (Patty), John Sykstus (Moira), Bill Sykstus (Chris), her sister-in-law, Sister Marcianne Bzdon, her second cousin, Mark Pukal (Amy) and several grand nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Adeline Rekosiewicz, her brother, Ron Sykstus, her sister-in-law, Diane Sykstus, and her cousins, Diane Pukal (Ron) and Ted Sykstus (Marilyn). Also, a special thank you to Tess Cruz, Joan’s caregiver, who took wonderful care of Joan over the past two years.

A graveside service followed by a celebration of life gathering for both Joan and Larry Bzdon will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2pm at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, (Section 37 right at the bend in the service road) located at 6800 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Niles, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Recycled Rotts, Inc., a Rottweiler rescue organization, in loving memory of Joan Bzdon.

Donations may be made at www.recycledrotts.org or by mail to: Recycled Rotts, Inc., P.O. Box 1082, Oswego, IL 60543

Joan Bzdon Obituary April 18, 2026 - Kolbus May Funeral Home