1942
Dennis
2023
Dennis Stefanowicz
August 28, 1942 — October 3, 2023
Dennis H. Stefanowicz, Sr., former Fire Chief of the Norwood Park Fire Protection District, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023. Dennis was the beloved husband of Diane, nee Costello, for 60 wonderful years; loving father of Carrie (Kevin) McGoldrick, Dennis, Jr. (Cheryl) Stefanowicz and Katherine (Dean) Grossart; dearest son of the late Geraldine and Henry Stefanowicz; cherished grandfather of Kameron and Connor McGoldrick, Nicholas, Isabel and Jakob Stefanowicz, and Delaney, Teagan and Henry Grossart; dear brother of Jack (Patricia) Stefanowicz and Joan (the late Larry) Fumagalli and brother in law of Bill (Donna) and the late Charles "Jimmy" Costello; fond uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Those who knew Dennis best knew that his word was his bond. He was the guy that picked up the phone when you needed him. His friends and colleagues referred to him as “Big Dog” or “The Chief”, but he always said his favorite titles were husband, dad and grandpa. Dennis loved nothing more than attending his grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals, and graduations. An admittedly bad golfer, he loved being on the course with the boys to enjoy a beer and a Macanudo. As a staunch Chicago Sports fan and keen political observer, Dennis loved the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and “tolerated” the White Sox. A lifelong student of local and national politics, he was not afraid to voice his opinions to anyone who would listen.
Dennis will be remembered by many people for his service to the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Norwood Park Fire Department for 37 years, serving the last 9 years as Chief. In this capacity, he was responsible for the health and safety of a population of 60,000 residents, and the administration of a budget which exceeded 4 million dollars. In addition to his service with the Norwood Park Fire Department, Dennis served 14 years as a Trustee for the Village of Norridge. He also served as the Village’s Building and Zoning Commissioner from 1988-1996.
While dedicating his professional life to public service, Dennis also served his community in the areas of education, youth sports and church. For 13years, he served as the President of the District #80 School Board. Dennis was a coach in Norridge youth baseball for a decade. Always looking out for the safety of the community, he was a major force in implementing a program in which ambulances and their trained crew attended Ridgewood High School Football games. He also served as a member of the Church Council at Acacia Park Church, Norridge, Illinois.
Flowers or donations to Camp I Am Me, a burn camp run by the Illinois Fires Safety Alliance ( www.ifsa.org ), are greatly appreciated.
Visitation Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until a 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL For more information call (708)456-8300
Those who knew Dennis best knew that his word was his bond. He was the guy that picked up the phone when you needed him. His friends and colleagues referred to him as “Big Dog” or “The Chief”, but he always said his favorite titles were husband, dad and grandpa. Dennis loved nothing more than attending his grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals, and graduations. An admittedly bad golfer, he loved being on the course with the boys to enjoy a beer and a Macanudo. As a staunch Chicago Sports fan and keen political observer, Dennis loved the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and “tolerated” the White Sox. A lifelong student of local and national politics, he was not afraid to voice his opinions to anyone who would listen.
Dennis will be remembered by many people for his service to the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Norwood Park Fire Department for 37 years, serving the last 9 years as Chief. In this capacity, he was responsible for the health and safety of a population of 60,000 residents, and the administration of a budget which exceeded 4 million dollars. In addition to his service with the Norwood Park Fire Department, Dennis served 14 years as a Trustee for the Village of Norridge. He also served as the Village’s Building and Zoning Commissioner from 1988-1996.
While dedicating his professional life to public service, Dennis also served his community in the areas of education, youth sports and church. For 13years, he served as the President of the District #80 School Board. Dennis was a coach in Norridge youth baseball for a decade. Always looking out for the safety of the community, he was a major force in implementing a program in which ambulances and their trained crew attended Ridgewood High School Football games. He also served as a member of the Church Council at Acacia Park Church, Norridge, Illinois.
Flowers or donations to Camp I Am Me, a burn camp run by the Illinois Fires Safety Alliance ( www.ifsa.org ), are greatly appreciated.
Visitation Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until a 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL For more information call (708)456-8300
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Stefanowicz, please visit our flower store.
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