Photo courtesy of Gurnee Salata Funeral Home
Gurnee, Illinois
Peter Paul Serzynski, age 85, of North Chicago passed away peacefully at The Pavilion of Waukegan Nursing Center after a short illness.
He was a lifelong resident of North Chicago and knew the community well. Peter attended Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School (North Chicago) and graduated from North Chicago High School in June of 1958.
He was employed by the North Chicago Water Department from 1960 until his retirement 35 years later (1995). His last position was with the Water Distribution Division, where he was recognized by the Mayor and City Council of North Chicago for his many years of service working as a troubleshooter, solving water problems with water mains, hydrants, service lines and any other water problems faced by the city as well as his many years of devoted service.
Peter loved sports, especially baseball and football. He was an avid White Sox and Bears fan. He enjoyed the friendly exchange of team rivalry especially with Cubs and Packers fans. He had a deep connection to Lake Michigan's lakefront where his daily routine started in the morning and later included visiting friends and his favorite restaurants later in the day.
He is survived by fifteen nieces and nephews and nineteen grand nieces and nephews. For those who knew him, they shared a deep fondness for his soft-spoken manner and kind way of being.
Peter was the last of ten siblings to pass and was preceded in death by his parents who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900's, Casimir (Charles) and Mary (Marjanna) Serzynski; brothers, John Serzynski, Aloysius (Al) Serzynski, Julian (Mike) Serzynski, Casimer (Ki) Serzynski, Alexander (Alex) Serzynski, Joseph Serzynski, Paul Serzynski, Stanley Serzynski; sister, Dorothy (Serzynski) Tutino.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 28th, 2025, from 10am to 11am at Queen of Peace Church, 910 Audrey Nixon Blvd, North Chicago, IL with mass to begin at 11am. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
Gurnee Salata Funeral Home 847-244-1155 or gurneesalatafh.com
My thoughts and prayers to the Serzynski family. Knew Pete and his brother Joe for many years. Pete was my basketball coach at Holy Rosary.Good coach and a Good Guy. Rest in peace Pete.
Mike Weakley
August 27, 2025 | Wadsworth, IL | Friend
Pete was a great friend of mine and my family. For the last 20 years or so, he was almost a daily visitor at the apt. building’s workshop with a cup of coffee & the morning paper. He was the biggest White Sox & Quonset Pizza fan I’ll ever know and had more knowledge of the North Chicago water system than anyone will ever have. He was simply quite a unique character! We won’t see the likes of him again for a long time. Rest in peace friend - Go Bears
Mike Miceli
August 27, 2025 | Pompano Beach, FL | Friend
Pete Was a Good Guy. He Will Be Missed.
Adam Gorsuch
August 27, 2025 | North Chicago, IL | Friend
Pete was a great guy, and taught me a lot during my years with him at the City of Vision. He was always ready with a one liner, except on Monday mornings and was part of a great bunch of guys, like Steve Koper, Bill bad hop Blake, John Nagode and Brod Miller just to name a few. He was a hard worker that took pride in his craft and I was proud to be a friend to him. Rest in Peace Pete, everyday is opening day at the great Comiskey Park in the sky.
Mike Moran
August 26, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL | Friend
Thoughts and Prayers to the Serzynski Family. First memories of Pete was when he coached Basketball at Holy Rosary at the eight grade level. He always had a few tricks up his sleeve for opposing teams as we played in the old Catholic League. Driving us to games in his 57 Chevy and McDonalds after games were unforgettable. Enjoyed going to North Chicago football and basketball games along with a few pops afterwards at the Polish Home. Seeing him at the lakefront for a fishing report and daily...
Eddie Pasiewicz
August 26, 2025 | Beach Park, IL | Friend
Prayers for peace and comfort to the Serzynski Family. Pete and my dad (Richard (Big Jab) Jablonski were friends for many years. We all had many laughs and memories over the years. We lost Big Jab in April of this year at the age or 87 so they both lived a good life and they are back together again. So sorry for your loss. Renee and Family.
Renee Jablonski/Besler
August 25, 2025 | Lake Villa, IL | Friend
I remember Pete from high school, oh so many years ago. My sincere sympathy to Pete's family.
Theresa (Krause) Anderko
August 25, 2025 | Green Valley, AZ | Acquaintance
To the Serzynski family, our deepest sympathy and prayers
Shelby and Virginia Mays
August 23, 2025 | Zion, IL | Friend