Zenon Cudak

Zenon “Zen” Cudak passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, in Barrington, Illinois. He was born on December 11, 1942, in Germany to Józef and Zófia (Stelmaczek) Cudak. As a young child, he immigrated with his family to the United States, where he built a life defined by service, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Zenon attended both DePaul University and DeVry University in Chicago, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career as an electronics technician, dedicating many years of service to Dynascan and later AT&T. Zenon also bravely served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.

Zenon loved the outdoors, going on walks, and just being in the sun. He enjoyed watching travel shows, classic TV, reading Sci-Fi books, and he especially enjoyed listening to 1960’s and 1970’s rock music and smooth jazz. More than anything else, though, Zenon treasured his family. Although he never had children of his own, he loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. He took great pride in their lives, cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, and created countless memories filled with laughter, love, and encouragement. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always willing to help those he loved in any way he could. He will be deeply missed.

Zenon is survived by his nieces & nephews: Chris (Gretchen) Cudak, Thaddeus (Lee) Cudak, Mark (Debbie) Cudak, and Lily (Craig) Chapa; and grand-nieces & nephews: Austin (Madeline), Elliot (Kate), Evan, Justin (Jillian), Jason (Allison), Jonathan (Mel), Ethan (Maddie), Aaron, Alexander (Kate), Elizabeth, and Phillip.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Józef and Zófia; and siblings, Joseph Jr., (Wanda) and Irene Cudak.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, IL with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will immediately follow at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, IL.