Fred Leonard Kania

Fred Leonard Kania, age 91, and 65-year resident of Chicago, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at home, with family by his side. He was born December 10, 1934 in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, to the late Karol and Mary (Dworak) Kania.

Beloved Husband of 65 years to Sylvia (Koteski) Kania; Loving Father of the late David (Kathy) Kania, the late Mary Kania, Cynthia (Matt) Cashman, Marica (the late Greg) Potrafka, and Gloria (the late John) Brennan; Cherished Grandfather of Kyle, Lukas, and Olivia Kania, Stephanie and Joey Cashman, Emily Potrafka, and Tim, Erin, Michelle, Sarah, and Lauren Brennan; cherished great-grandfather of Kennedy, Regan, Jameson, Audra, Stephenie, Ian, Charlotte, Christopher, Henry, Haley and Harper; He would have loved to meet his great grandson and great-great granddaughter, who are both on the way; and favorite funny Uncle Fritz to many.

Further preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Wally, Frank, Pete, Mary, Clara, Johnny, Eileen, Rich and Ed.

Devoted to faith and charity, Fred was a former parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church, a long-time member of Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church and a dedicated member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus, Father Ryan Council #5025. He devoted his time as an eucharistic minister, commentator, and as a volunteer at United In Faith Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Retiree of Sheet Metal Workers' Union, Local 73.

He loved to fish, especially in Alaska, with the boys and a cold beer- always having a fish tale of the big one that got away! His brothers taught him at a young age how to play cards and more importantly, win; you could always find him at a Blackjack table. Fred shared this love with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the valuable lesson of how to lose gracefully by winning their allowances. He was a kid at heart and always quick with a dad-joke and a prank to the chagrin of Sylvia and delight of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Through youth coaching and refereeing him taught the next generation, encouraging them to shine and be who they are. Constantly on the move, especially in the last few months, Fred was forever lending a hand to anyone in need, gardening and taking long walks.

He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his family and all who were blessed to know him.

A life-time gardener who enjoyed veggies and flowers, he would prefer donations to charities closest to his heart. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: St. Cyprians Food Pantry (https://www.unitedinfaith.org/st-cyprians-food-pantry); Knights of Columbus, Fr. Ryan Council #5025 (https://uknight.org/CouncilSite/about.asp?CNO=5025); and St. Vincent de Paul Society (https://ssvpusa.org/).

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. on Monday, March 2, at Muzyka & Son Funeral Home, 5776 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 3601 N. Lavergne Ave., Chicago.

Arrangements entrusted to Muzyka & Son Funeral Home. For more information, please call (773) 545-3800.