Michael R. Szlamczynski

Michael R. Szlamczynski, affectionately known as "Slammer," passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, New York, on August 15th of 1968, carrying the title of “true New Yorker” with him throughout life. Mike was never one to let shortcomings bring him down and always pushed through anything life threw his way. If any word could describe him, it would be “resilience”. Mike was a girl dad before anything; his three daughters, Marissa, Madison, and Jamison, were his entire world. Whenever they needed someone, he was always there. His bear hugs made it feel like everything would be okay and he constantly reminded them how much he loved and was proud of their accomplishments. No matter how near or far, he made sure they knew that dad was just a phone call away. He took pride in his work and loved his job at American Tower Corp., where he flew drones and even had to get his pilot’s license for flying unmanned aircraft. He loved his family more than anything, making sure to FaceTime his grandchildren every morning he could. In 2022, he met his true love, Beth; they were set to marry in June of 2026. Meeting her amplified his zest for life; they traveled together, cruising to the Caribbean, traveling to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Mike also had a palette for upscale dining and wine tasting, which became another favorite activity to do together. Later in life, he developed a love for good bourbon. Being a ‘foodie’, Mike also earned his culinary degree, motivated by his passion for cooking. Homemade pasta was a favorite of his. In his free time, he was a bags champion, having boards he made himself, he was avid about the game. He loved his tri-toon and found peace cruising the waters of Lake Koshkonong with friends and family.

He is survived by and will be missed by his fiancé, Beth Marchini; daughter, Marissa (Charles) Fotjik, and their children, Gage, Emryn, Charlie, Presley; daughters, Madison Szlamczynski, Jamison “Jami” Szlamczynski; his parents, Pauline Jones and Steve Fiore; Beth’s children, Garrett and Evie; siblings, Joe Szlamczynski, Christopher Szlamczynski, Nick Fiore, Stevie Fiore, Kay Lampert, Mary Stek, Maria Houck; good friends, Todd Bristol, Tim Sacco, Scott Bathke, Shane Hurst, and Brad Bailey. He is predeceased by his grandparents; brother, Rich Szlamczynski; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Mike on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. A visitation will take place beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send your condolences online and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.