Phillip F. Szymarek, 93, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation in Granite City.
He was born May 31, 1926 in Hunter, Missouri, a son of the late Ernest and Thelma (Oren) Szymarek.
He married Jacqueline “Jackie” (Montague) Szymarek on April 12, 1952 in East St. Louis and she passed away on February 15, 2014.
He was the owner and operator of P&S Amusement with over 50 years of service as a coin operator, electronics repairman and clock technician.
The United States Navy veteran proudly served his country during World War II. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Tri-cities Council #1013, Eagles Aerie #1126, V.F.W. Post, Moose Lodge and Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City. He was an avid aviation enthusiast and was a private pilot and ham operator and enjoyed playing bingo.
He is survived by a daughter, Susan Pritchet of Granite City; grandchildren, Ryan Szymarek, Gabe Szymarek and Jackie Wofford; great grandchildren, Tyler Szymarek, Matthew Browning, Hunter McReynolds, Kameryn Emmerich and Westyn Wofford; sisters-in-law, Susan Blackshere of Granite City and Sandra Coleman of Granite City; other extended family and many friends.
In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Phillip A. Szymarek and a daughter, Patricia Szymarek.
In celebration of his life, a private memorial gathering and service will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Father Donald Wolford will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Granite City APA or to Masses and may be accepted at the funeral home.
