In Memoriam: Eric Szafranowski, 60, Was 'Great Friend To Many'

Eric Szafranowski passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27 at Advocate Christ Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Eric was a beloved son of the late Marion and Edmund Szafranowski. He was born prematurely along with his twin, Paul J. Szafranowski, who passed away shortly after birth.

Eric is survived by his loving siblings: Michael (Lisa) Szafranowski, Michelle (Dan) Strickland, Mark (Kimberly Seriano) Szafranowski, and Anne (Bruce Wiercioch) Ronstadt. He was a cherished uncle to Mike and Matt Szafranowski (Michael), James Ronstadt (Anne), Laura and Patrick Strickland (Michelle), and a great-uncle and loving cousin to many.

Eric was born on February 12th, 1965 at Christ Community Hospital in Oak Lawn. He spent his early years in Chicago before his parents built a house in Oak Forest in 1973, where he became a lifelong resident.

In his early years, Eric attended St. Damian grade school and played in Oak Forest baseball leagues. He graduated from Oak Forest High School in 1983, where he was on the wrestling team, and later graduated from Lincoln Technology in Automotive. Eric was a talented carpenter and painter with a knack for figuring things out, and he did a wonderful job remodeling his house. He loved car racing and enjoyed helping out in a pit crew.

Eric was known for his kind and generous nature. He was a man of few words but listened intently to others. He lived modestly but was always willing to help those in need. An avid hunter and gardener, Eric spent many hours canning his harvest. He enjoyed cooking and often had his friends over for football or card games. His famous fudge was a holiday favorite among family and friends. He loved his pets, Bud and Bud-lite, along with his adoring cats. He made it a priority to feed the birds, squirrels, rabbits, and sometimes ducks that entered his backyard.

He enjoyed watching sports and was a loyal Bears fan. Eric was a devoted Catholic and attended church regularly, often spending time praying the rosary and visiting places of worship.

Eric was a great friend to many. He had a big heart. His humor, straightforwardness, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M at McKenzie Funeral Home, 15618 S Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452. Funeral Friday, September 5, 2025, starting at 9:15 A.M. at McKenzie Funeral Home, to St. Damian Church, 5250 W. 155th Street, Oak Forest, for a 10:00 A.M. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. For more info: (708) 687-2900 or www.mckenziefuneral.com.