Gary E. Bazarek

Captain Gary E. Bazarek, Ret. CPD, 93 years of age of Chicago, passed away on March 11, 2023. Gary Bazarek was born on December 22, 1929, to Detective Edward Bazarek and his wife Sarah (nee Geary). Gary was the youngest of three children that included an older brother, the late Lt. Stanley F. Bazarek CPD, and the late Gloria Meyer (the late Leonard Meyer). Gary grew up in the northwest side Cragin neighborhood and attended St. Genevieve Catholic School. Gary next put himself through St. Ignatius High School graduating in 1947. In 1951, Gary enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War and spent two years as a Corporal at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He returned home to Chicago and on April 23, 1955, married the love of his life, the late Anne Marie Schweiger. Joining the Chicago Police Department on July 1, 1957, Gary and Anne would go on to have six children. He retired from the Chicago Police Department after 35 years of service. Gary enjoyed his summer home near Hayward, Wisconsin, traveling to Europe, and spending time with his grandchildren. Loving father to Michael [Ret. CPD] (Audrey), Maureen, Susan (Michael) McCulloh, William (the late Monica nee Moore), Thomas (Caren) and Robert [CFD] Julie; beloved grandfather to Elizabeth, Madeleine, Emma, Hayley, Benjamin, Caileen (Bill) Labuz, Thomas, Kate and Patrick. 

Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home located at 625 Busse Hwy. in Park Ridge. Funeral Saturday, prayers at 9:30 a.m. going to St. Juliana Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Maryhill Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation http://www.cpdmemorial.org . For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www,cooneyfuneralhome.com