Thomas Zolecki

Thomas Edward Zolecki, 81, of Dubuque, formerly of Joliet, IL and New Lenox, IL, died Monday, August 10, 2026, at his home.

Thomas was born August 28, 1944, in Chicago, IL, the son of Edward Albert and Jeanette Marie Brandolino Zolecki. On November 4, 1967, he married Rosemary Petrone at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Joliet, IL.

He was a 1963 graduate of Joliet Central High School.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from October 20, 1965 until October 19, 1967.

Tom was an instrument mechanic for Commonwealth Edison, where he retired in 1995.

He was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque and had been a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Joliet as well as St. Jude’s Catholic Church in New Lenox, IL before moving to Dubuque. He was also an honorary member of the Moose Lodge in Joliet, the Southside Civic Club, and the Moran A/C. Tom was known for his strong work ethic and enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in the yard, and fixing things around the home. He was very hands-on and was often willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed fishing, a good card game, and playing pool. He was also an avid coin collector and enjoyed collecting memorabilia. He liked doing puzzles, especially crossword puzzles. In his later years, Tom spent much of his time with his grandchildren, whom he cherished dearly. He was their biggest fan and never missed an activity or basketball game.

Survivors include wife, Rosemary; one son, Joe (Kelly) Zolecki of New Lenox, IL; one daughter, Julie (TJ) King of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Carly) Zolecki, Jack Zolecki, Tommy (Hannah) King, Mary Kate King, Nora King, Claire King, and John King; two sisters, Julianne Zolecki of Channahon, IL, and Mari Alberico of St. Augustine, FL; one brother, Mike (Dianne) Zolecki of Channahon, IL; one sister-in-law, Cindy Zolecki; two brothers-in-law, Rich Collofello and Dennis Schauer; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Benji.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Corrine Zolecki, Jackie (Ken) Noll, Toni Collofello, and Sylvia Zolecki; two brothers, Ted (Karen) Zolecki and Ed Zolecki; one brother-in-law, Tony Alberico; and one sister-in-law, Beverly Schauer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque in memory of Thomas Zolecki.

The family is deeply appreciative for the excellent medical care he received during his time in Dubuque. A special thank you to the Tri-state Dialysis staff, along with Dr. Whalen, Dr. Kraciun, Dr. Eltibi, Dr. Morgan-Ihrig, Dr. Engleman, Dr. Roewe along with Hospice of Dubuque.

Visitation will be at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in New Lenox, IL. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, in Romeoville, IL. Full military honors will be rendered.