Jerome August Ciolek Sr.

December 3, 1946 - October 16, 2026

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jerome August Ciolek Sr., who passed away in the comfort of his own home on October 16th, 2026, at the age of 79.

Jerome was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 3, 1946 to the late John and Evelyn (nee Metz) Ciolek and grew up in the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods. He was a proud and hardworking individual and family meant everything to him. While still in grammar school, he began working to help contribute to his family by shoveling coal for furnaces in several apartment buildings both before and after the school day.

After attending Carl Schurz High School, Jerome met and married his high school sweetheart, Lillian (nee Barker) Ciolek. As they started a family together, Jerome maintained his strong work ethic throughout his life, eventually becoming a member of the Carpenter's Union Local #1. He worked for the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Downtown Chicago for the majority of his career. Pride and love for his family continued to be his driving force. This pride and love even extended beyond his home to relatives, friends and neighbors whom he was always willing to help.

In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Jerome enjoyed fishing, hunting, wildlife, Chicago Bears football and watching Westerns. He was the devoted husband of Lillian Ciolek for 59 years; the caring father of Jerome Jr. (Amy) Ciolek and Sean (Eileen) Ciolek; the adoring grandpa of Christopher, Andrew, Elliot and Liliana Ciolek; the protective brother of Judith (Robert) Hanley and Mary (the late James) Slaby; the helpful brother-in-law of Susan Krizan and the late Toni (the late John) Janis; a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a good friend to many people. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held Thursday October 22nd, 2026 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home (7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714) from 4 pm until 8 pm. Funeral Prayers will be held the next day Friday October 23rd, 2026 at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. A funeral procession to Memory Gardens Cemetery (2501 East Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004) will follow shortly after where he will be laid to rest."