Carlo E. Zyrkowski

Carlo E. Zyrkowski, 56, loving husband of Michele; devoted father of Angelique, Bruno, Faithmarie, and Anthony; treasured brother of Lawrence (Ela) and favorite co-instigator of Mary (Jon) Merritt; cherished son of the late Richard and the late Alina; uncle of Ross, Alec, Roen, and Jessica; fond brother-in-law of Christopher Gilbert; and cat grandfather of O.J., Smudge, and Bear.

Carlo was a stubborn yet devoted husband and a loving father who always made sure his family knew how much they meant to him, in his own unique way. He proudly served with the Chicago Police Department for 29 years and one day, collecting countless amazing, unforgettable, and often hilarious stories from his time on the job. His love of exploring new places turned him into quite the foodie, always eager to try different foods and discover new favorites, while also enjoying time in the kitchen cooking for those he loved. His chili became a favorite family dish. Carlo had a knack for keeping his hands busy and his creativity alive through fishing, hunting, welding, gardening, forging metal, and leatherworking. He also had a love for scratch-off tickets, usually buying them for himself but always happy to share his winnings with family and friends. A natural storyteller who loved to chat, Carlo was known for his quick wit, colorful personality, and wonderfully inappropriate comments that always seemed to come at just the right time. He had a way of making people laugh, keeping conversations going, and leaving everyone with a story of their own to tell. Carlo was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed for his humor, his talents, his generous spirit, and all the little things that made him unmistakably Carlo.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with time at 7:00 p.m. for family and friends to share memories of Carlo at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL 60630.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with procession to follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, IL for interment.