Melvin A. Silkowski

Melvin Arthur Silkowski was born March 29, 1937 and passed away on April 9, 2020. He was 83. He died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Orland Park, IL of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents Lottie R. Silkowski (Konecki) and Henry A. Silkowski, and his brother, Robert H. Silkowski. He is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline (Jackie) R. Silkowski and their children, Michelle S. Hackett and Melanie S. Ludington, and grandchildren, Emily L. Hackett, Josephine S. Ludington, and Ethan J. Hackett. Melvin (Mel) will be missed greatly by those who survive him.

Mel enjoyed family, friends, grilling, baseball, reading the newspaper, a hot cup of coffee, cookies, singers Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, and Andrea Bocelli, a good steak or burger, a nice bottle of wine, a night at the theater, and a nightcap of Grand Marnier. Mel liked to travel and saw most of the United States during his adult life; he was especially fond of Colorado and Alaska. Two of his favorite international trips were to Poland and Scotland. In retirement, Mel enjoyed being a "mall walker" at Lincoln Mall (Matteson, IL) with friends from the community.

Mel grew up on the Southside of Chicago (91st and Colfax). He attended Bowen High School (Chicago, IL) serving as Senior Class President and was Valedictorian, graduating in 1955. Later in life, he was active with the Bowen reunion committee. Mel attended night school at DePaul University and graduated in 1967.

Mel began his career with Standard Oil of Indiana in 1957. He worked with IBM's state of the art computer technology at Standard Oil's Credit Card Division on Canal Street. In 1973, Mel moved to Corporate Headquarters in downtown Chicago (East Randolph Drive) and worked as a Supervisor and Manager in Corporate Systems Development. After 36 years of service, Mel retired in 1993 when the company was called BP Amoco. Mel met many of those who would become his dearest life-long friends at Amoco. During the 1960s, Mel served in the Army Reserve with other Standard Oil of Indiana employees. After retirement from Amoco, he worked for several years at Accurate Accounting in Oak Forest, IL. He also volunteered with the HF Park District (Irwin Center) helping seniors with taxes.

In 1962, Mel met Jackie at a family funeral, and they married on May 1, 1965. They shared a happy life living nearly 50 years in Homewood.

During those 50 years, Mel was an active member of The Parish of St. Joseph (Homewood, IL) and served under Pastors, Fr. Burke, Fr. Sayers, and Fr. Kozak in various capacities including as Mass Captain for Eucharistic Ministers for 10 A.M. Mass, a Lector and Commentator, a Member of the St. Joseph Finance Committee, a Member of the 100th Anniversary Committee, and as an avid supporter of St. Joseph's Festival and Resurrection Choirs (of which Jackie was a long-time member). Mel made many wonderful friends at St. Joseph over the years.

Due to the National Health Crisis, the burial will be private. If you would like to make a donation in Mel's memory, please do so at the Alzheimer's Association website: act.alz.org/donate. On the donation page, notification of gifts may be sent to Michelle Hackett, 21309 Evalyn Ave., Torrance, CA 90503.

A Memorial Mass is tentatively planned for August at The Parish of St. Joseph in Homewood. Details will be announced at St. Joseph and be posted on the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home website when they become available. For additional information contact Tews-Ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300