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Joseph C. Sadowski
Joseph C. Sadowski
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Joseph Sadowski Obituary
Raised in Lansing, IL, and a graduate of Calumet College of St. Joseph, Joe was a true Renaissance man. A professional actor and director, he was a member of the Body Politic Theater as well as a commercial and voice-over actor.
He co-founded the Pleasant Avenue Players in Minneapolis, MN where for 9 years he wrote and directed neighborhood children in original plays every summer. He was a cook, a teacher, a union arbitrator and mail carrier for the USPS, a Chicago tour guide, and Santa Claus.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Skalkos of 38 years, children Zachary and Evelyn (Coco), sisters Catherine, Carol McGrath (Michael), Claudia Gagnon (Thomas), Christen (Tim Etter) and many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and a wide circle of amazing friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Sadowski and Charlene (nee Klein) and special friends Edie, Oscar, Omar, and Hildy.
Joe's impact on his family and community was immense. When Joe walked into the room so did a bright light of energy.
A truly one-of-a-kind, passionate, and devoted family man, his generous spirit made people feel instantly at home. The consummate host, he will be remembered for his delicious food that graced the tables of Thanksgiving dinners and Oscar parties. If he couldn't be on stage, he wanted his food to be.
His sense of candor and magnanimous spirit drew people to him. He willingly stepped up to the plate, writing letters to the editor and newsletters, reading for the State Services for the Blind, or volunteering to help a friend.
Perhaps Joe's greatest quality was his sense of humor. His quick wit was a true gift to everyone he met.
The world and all of us are better for having had him in our lives. May his memory be eternal.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date to honor Joe's larger-than-life legacy and laughter living on.
13 Entries
Stephen Rawlins
November 8, 2023
So many! (Smiles and find memories) Just in our Minneapolis neighborhood alone: directed neighborhood summer shows, wrote "Mailman Joe" column, had his own neighborhood as delivery beat. But above all a great guy, Dad, husband, neighbor. I am so sorry to learn that Joe is no longer with us in the material world.
Condolences to Nancy, Coco and Zach.
Johanna McKay
November 7, 2023
I´m so sorry, Nancy! What a shock. Joe directed us in "Artist Descending a Staircase" - a show that was really life changing for me. He brought together people in an amazing way. My heart is with you and your family.
Scott Doland
October 30, 2023
Joe trained me and many others as a tour guide at Wendella. He lives in every fact and joke he taught me, and moreover in the joy it brings the guests. Joe was different. So friendly, but not a yes man. Joe would comically disagree and stand ground on his principles. There it is. Joe was the showman with principle.
I learned from Joe to walk around the boat before tours and just start a conversation. "Where are you coming from? How´d you choose Wendella today? Why´d you bring your husband on vacation, didn´t you want to relax?" When the tour starts, ppl are listening to their new, interesting acquaintance, not a stranger. Joe was a stranger to no one.
I look up to Joe bc he committed his life to his family and his art. That´s the man I want to be.
Scott
Patty
October 18, 2023
We were members of Body Politic and I adored him. I remember how much he loved to cook. He told me that he had a retirement dream of opening the first B&D (Bed and Dinner). He wasn't a breakfast guy, but he wanted to cook amazing pasta dinners for guests. Love you Joe!!
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Roberta Stack Rotman
October 16, 2023
Here's to a lovely man. So much fun doing She Loves Me with you. You are greatly missed.
Jane McCart
October 15, 2023
Our condolences to the Sadowski-Skalkos families. Joe was full of life and wit. Our prayers are with you all. Jane McCart and Nick Kratsios
Mary Austin
October 14, 2023
Joe came to my classroom at Vlara Barton Open School and wrote and directed the best play ever for my class. We used that play for many years along with our Candlelight Cafe for parents. He was brilliant, funny, and patient with me and our students. I was always grateful for receiving the gift of theatre. And a Chicago guy, too! I know he will be missed terribly.
BF HELMAN
October 14, 2023
I met Joe at my first Chicago theater production: Pary Productions "Change" in the mid-eighties. He became my favorite actor, director, crony, compadre, campanero. My favorite and most irreplaceable friend.
BF
Kate Nolan
October 13, 2023
We love you Nancy, Zach and Coco and Pleasant Ave misses you and will always be grateful for the fun, joy, imagination and big heart that Joe and you shared with us! What a difference he and you made, the endless laughs, pranks and parties that brightened our days and made life better. Much love.
Nolans
(Thinking of Joe on your roof calling to the rehearsing kids across the street, "I can´t hear you!!")
Suzann Look
October 13, 2023
Oh, Joe... I am so sad today. We first met during She Loves Me. I loved our monthly dinners, working our way through our favorite cookbook. I´ll miss your quick smile, gentle soul, and wicked sense of humor. It has been years since I moved away from Chicago but you have always been in my heart. Love and hugs to all the Sadowskis.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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