It is with a heavy heart we announce the unexpected passing of our much beloved John M. Szaton on July 24, 2025. Born in Chicago and raised in Tinley Park, John grew up a devoted White Sox fan and spent his youth emulating his favorite players while playing in Little League. After graduating from the University of Iowa he and his bride, Beverly (Zacherle) went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he attended graduate school at Western Michigan University. Upon his return home he began working at Tinley Park Mental Health center in the Children's Unit. After its closure he stayed at TPMHC where he would go on to help countless people over the course of his 40 year career. During his time there, he went on to become certified as an addiction counselor as well as volunteering at the Tinley Park Historical Society (which quickly became a new passion) He also became involved with Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, where he participated in numerous fundraising "Waddles" with one or another of the 8 basset hounds who shared his family home over the years. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge he never stopped learning, he was an avid reader and amateur Civil War historian. He was always interested in what other people had to say and what they could teach him. He was very creative:when his children were young he became an excellent photographer and went so far as setting up a dark room to develop his own photographs. He also taught himself to play the guitar, tried to learn to read Egyptian Hieroglyphs, and built his own telescope. He was a proud and devoted father to his children Stacey and Christopher. He shared with both of them his love of learning and creative spirit, and he enjoyed the successes of his children. He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 59 years, his children, Stacey and Christopher, his sister Marcia (Szaton) Pendexter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. A memorial service will be held August 16th 11:00 am at the Chapel of the Tinley Park Historical Society. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Guardian Angel Basset Rescue and the Tinley Park Historical Society, two endeavours close to his heart. We find comfort in knowing that John's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we cherish.