Donald J. Marszalik

Donald J. Marszalik, 71, passed away after a long battle with cancer on March 25th, 2026. He was born, and raised, on the South Side of Chicago, the son of Frank and Adeline Marszalik.Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Don spent his days playing baseball in the park, pickup basketball, and getting into innocent mischief with his brothers, especially his brother Frank, and neighborhood friends, some of whom he would remain friends with for all his life.

He went onto college, at Southern Illinois, Carbondale, and enjoyed it so much, he pursued his Masters of Business there as well. Again, meeting people who he would remain friends for life; Don shared stories from college, like one of his dormmates asking him, “Have you ever seen someone chug a beer on their head?” and, of course, he proceeded to amaze Don.

Don went on to open his own CPA business; something he was very proud of. He worked tirelessly during tax season, often times coming home after 10pm, and working straight through the weekend. He enjoyed seeing his clients, many of whom he had known for 30+ years, and, would often talk fondly of his loyal clients. Don was a hard worker, and continued working up until the very end.

Don met his former wife Deborah through a friend at Southern; they eventually got married, and had four children; Joseph, John, Michael & Anne-Marie. He was very proud of his children, and would often talk about them during his appointments with his clients. He was a playful, thoughtful, helpful, and involved dad; he liked to play catch in the pool, go on bike rides to the “gold mine” aka a convenience store near the Prairie Path that sold ice cream, and amped his kids up, or sometimes joined, when they wanted to play WWE wrestling. He even made a welcome home sign paired with his daughter’s favorite candy when she returned from studying abroad. It was also one step closer to his true calling in life: to be a grandparent.

The greatest joy of Don’s life was being a grandparent, a grandfather to be exact. He loved them greatly, and was never hesitant to spoil them whether it be with ice-cream, treats, or with love. His excitement to see them, to play with them, to make them laugh was obvious. He especially loved having them over during tax season so he could “show them off” to his clients. As proud as he was of his kids, it was nothing in comparison to how proud he was of his grandkids. If you knew Don, you knew about his grandkids; grandkids who will always remember their grandfather. His memory will remain alive as there are ample stories, pictures, and videos to embrace when his presence is missed.

Don was loved by many, and will be missed immensely. May he truly rest in peace.

He is survived by his father, Frank Marszalik, Sr. and his mother the late Adeline (Gacek) Marszalik; former wife, Deborah (Madden) Marszalik; children, Joseph Marszalik, John Marszalik, Mike Marszalik, and Anne-Marie Marszalik (Scott Karras); his beloved grandchildren, and his few nieces and many nephews. Don is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Marie Taraszka (Gerard), Diane Domalewski (Walter); his brothers, Frank, Lawrence Marszalik (Patricia), and Joseph Marszalik (Arlene).

Memorial Visitation Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wolniak Funeral Home (5700 S. Pulaski Rd.). Memorial Mass Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Turibius Catholic Church (5646 S. Karlov). Memorial Luncheon after mass at The Mayfield 6072 S Archer Ave, All Are Welcome.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following:

*Wellness House 131 N County Line Rd. Hinsdale, IL 60521 https://wl.donorperfect.net

*Send checks (payable to Felician Sisters of North America) to:

Mission Advancement Felician Sisters of North America 871 Mercer Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010

https://www.felician.org/donate/

*St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate