Szymanski Remembered As 'Calm, Kind, Dedicated' After Sudden Passing

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Glen Ellyn Trustee Steve Szymanski, who died suddenly on Aug. 7, is being remembered by his fellow village officials as "warm, kind and dedicated" and bringing "genuine care for Glen Ellyn" to his roles as village trustee and on the Capital Improvements Commission.

Szymanski was elected to the village council in April. Prior to that, he spent seven years serving on the Capital Improvements Commission, where he spent five years chairing the commission.

In a dedication to Szymanski, he was described as "instrumental" in such village projects as the Downtown Central Business District Streetscape and Utilities Project, the Taylor Avenue Pedestrian Tunnel and the Glen Ellyn Civic Center's parking garage.

To his service in Glen Ellyn, Szymanski brought more than 40 years of experience as the general manager of strategic planning for United States Steel Corporation.

“Steve was a calm, kind, and dedicated Trustee who served our community with unwavering commitment for many years in various capacities,” Village Manager Mark Franz shared in a statement. “His contributions and quiet strength left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with him.”

Village President Jim Burket said Szymanski "brought a combination of strategic vision, engineering expertise, and genuine care for Glen Ellyn to every role he served."

Burket added, "[H]e approached each challenge with humility, intelligence, and a commitment to doing what was best for the Village. We will deeply miss his insight, leadership, and friendship."