Richard W. Ciesla

1940 - 2025

Richard (Rich) W. Ciesla, 84, devoted family man and respected electrical engineer, passed away on the morning of September 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife and children.

Rich was born in Chicago on October 2, 1940 to the late Walter and the late Josephine (Wegrzyn) Ciesla, his life marked with faith, wisdom, a great work ethic, and kindness; he was a true gentleman. On December 28, 1968, he married Maria Bronny on a bitter, icy morning which did not reflect their love and devotion to each other. They were blessed with four children: Elizabeth (Douglas) Hodgson, Gregory (Sara) Ciesla, Mark (Julie) Ciesla, and Alexandra (Curtis) Cornwell, all who gave and give love and respect to their parents. He was the beloved Dziadzio (Grandfather) to: Madeleine (Austin Knoblauch) and Caroline Hodgson; Maeve and Charles Ciesla; Isabella and Thomas Ciesla; Henry, Wyatt, the late James, and Valerie Cornwell.

He was the loved brother, brother-in-law to the late Christine (the late Donald) Buker; Bernadine (Thomas) Heim; Andrew (Mary) Bronny; Christopher (Mary Ellen) Bronny; Mary Kay (Meyer) Bronny, and was uncle to many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Rich graduated from St. Wenceslaus Grammar School (where he was a much-requested Altar Boy) and Bishop Weber High School; he began his undergraduate education goal in Electrical Engineering at the Navy Pier branch of the University of Illinois, later transferring to the UIUC campus to complete his degree. He spent 35 productive years at Commonwealth Edison, and later 17 years as the Water and Electric Engineer in Winnetka before a well-deserved retirement.

Next to loving and providing for his family, Rich felt an obligation to volunteer at academic institutions and Chicago’s Polish-American community, among others. He was inducted as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and also served on the St. Mary of the Woods School Board, as well as being a Cub/Boy Scout leader of the Parish’s Pack. Not knowing much about soccer, he still was “drafted” to become the area’s AYSO soccer coach for very distracted 4-5 year olds. At Loyola Academy, Rich served on the Father’s Club Board, and he and Maria chaired a transition committee as LA prepared to move to a co-ed institution. He served on the UIUC Dad’s Association Board. Rich served as officer, then President of the Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance, was President of the Chicago Society Foundation, served on the inaugural Board of Directors for the Copernicus Foundation, and served as the President of the Chicago Intercollegiate Council.

Rich was recognized and loved for supporting Maria in her many endeavors. His loss is immeasurable to his family, friends, and colleagues.

The family is grateful to Debora Grandinetti, MD, Edward James, MD & Staff, Lutheran General Hospital, the Staff of St. Mary of the Woods Parish, the Very Rev. Greg Sakowicz, Rev. Jesudas Gudime, Advocate Hospice Care, and Amada Senior Care North Shore.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25th, from 4-8 pm, at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 26th 10:30AM, at St. Mary of the Woods Church, 6955 N Hiawatha Ave, Chicago.

Memorial donations can be made to polishmuseumofamerica.org or chicagolights.org.

 

Z wielkim zalem zawiadamiamy, ze nasz najukochanszy maz, tata i dzadek S.P. Richard W. Ciesla odszedl z tego swiata w wieku 84 lat.
Ostatnie pozegnanie w czwartek 25 wrzesnia 2025 od godz. 16-ej do 20-ej w Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Kondukt zalobny wyjedzie w piatek o godz. 9:15 do kosciola St. Mary of the Woods na msze sw. o godz. 10:30. 
O czym zawiadamia: .
Po informacje dzwon/Funeral Information 847-966-7302