Steve F. Kantorski

Steve F. Kantorski beloved husband of the late Irene M. Kantorski. Loving father of Steven (Wendy) Kantorski, Lynnette (Steven) Debnar, Donald (Dawn) Kantorski, Pamela (John) Szynal, Debra (Keith) Smith, Kevin (Jennifer) Kantorski. Cherished grandfather of David (Kate Lydston) Kantorski, Steve Debnar, Dan (Kathy) Kantorski, Brad (Rebecca) Debnar, Dustin Kantorski, Kandice (Paul) Caputo, Danielle Kantorski, Eric (Rebecca Culver) Kantorski, Alyssa Szynal, LynnZee (Matt) Dehn, Jessica Szynal, Kylie Smith, Trevor Smith, Logan Kantorski and Miles Kantorski. Great grandfather of Brady Kantorski, Camille Atkinson, AJ Kantorski, Brantley Debnar, Hunter Debnar, Jack Kantorski, Ben Kantorski, Rosalee Debnar, Ethan Clifford, Brynlee Debnar. Dearest Brother of the late Ray Kantorski, Judy (Ron) Tummillo, Donna (Dave) Cipowski. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Thursday, January 2nd 2:00PM – 8:00PM and Funeral Friday, January 3rd. 9:15 AM from Modell Funeral Home 7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Steve grew up on the northside in the Bucktown neighborhood and graduated from Lane Technical High School. He was a lifelong Cubs fan, which led to a divided baseball household. He worked for Danly Machine Corporation in Cicero for more than 40 years, alongside his father and uncle, and later, two of his sons and his wife. After leaving Danly, he continued to consult for various machine shops until eventually taking the role of Transportation Director for the Plano School District.
Steve met his southside bride, Irene, when respective family friends of both sides selected them as Godparents for their child, Terry Jozwik. They loved polka dancing and music, spending many weekend nights following their favorite polka bands all over the city. They were also passionate about travel, routinely taking road trips to visit family, friends and their grandkids at college. Steve was an avid bowler and competed in many leagues alongside his father and wife.
Steve proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout; and attended the National Jamboree as a youth in 1950, which led to his love for camping, hunting and the outdoors. His sons' interest in scouting refreshed his involvement in the program, and he served in a number of leadership roles, including Cubmaster (Pack 3465) and Scoutmaster (Troop 465) from Five Holy Martyrs in Brighton Park. He was active at the district and council levels and received a number of awards and recognitions, including the Silver Beaver Award and Saint George Award. He was also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
Steve loved to share his passion for the outdoors with his family and friends, spending countless weekends at multi-family campouts. "Grandpa's driving school" was a staple of many weekend camping trips, where whichever grandchild had a driver's permit at the time became the chauffeur for various trips to town to pick up a newspaper or run an errand.
Steve was dearly loved, will be deeply missed, and memories of him will be cherished by many.
Their commitment to family was everything to them and will be carried on for generations.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to
Owasippe Staff Association
https://owasippe.com/ways-to-help/donate/
Gentiva Hospice, 800 Enterprise Drive, Suite 111, Oak Brook, IL 60523
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html