John Joseph Szymanski III

He was born on July 25, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois.

John began working at the age of 14 at a neighborhood candy store, where he learned the value of hard work early in life. His love of candy and a good snack stayed with him throughout his life, so much so that, as a young man, he named his beloved beagle Pretzels and, later in life, his black chihuahua Licorice. He later became an auto mechanic, a trade he took pride in until he went on disability at age 44.

In 1994, John relocated to Pinellas Park, Florida, in search of a better life for his children, where he also reconnected with his father. He was a devoted father who loved his children deeply and remained a daily presence in their lives.

John was resilient and strong-willed, a fighter who did not give up easily. At the same time, he was a big kid at heart, known for his goofiness, his sense of humor, and his ability to make others laugh, even in difficult moments. He took pride in making people smile, and that humor stayed with him throughout his life, helping carry him through years of hospitalizations and never fully leaving him, even at the end. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help others, often opening his home to family and friends in need.

He was also known for his playful and competitive spirit. One favorite family story involved him challenging his brother Tim to a bet over whether 20 bananas could be eaten in one sitting, something that, much to his surprise, was actually accomplished. Moments like these, filled with laughter, became lasting memories for those around him.

As a child, he enjoyed fishing with his grandfather and spending summers in Wisconsin Dells with his grandmother, a tradition he later carried on with his own children.

As a young man, John enjoyed riding his Harley and giving kids rides around the block. For many, he was the only person they trusted to ride with. Later in life, he looked forward to spending time with his brother Tom attending bike and car shows and going on long car rides together.

He was a hard worker who took great pride in his home and the life he built, but most of all, he loved to love his family. Time with family was important to him, and some of the most meaningful moments were spent together over Sunday morning breakfasts. Holidays were especially meaningful, particularly those spent at his grandmother’s home, where he often played Santa for the children, creating moments of joy and laughter that became cherished family memories.

John also had a deep love for animals and was a super proud “grandpaw” to Zaide, Lovie, and Max, who brought him immense joy and companionship.

He will be remembered most for being a devoted father, his sense of humor and generosity, and the way he connected with others.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph Szymanski Jr. and Shirley Goeringer (née Galuski); and by his beloved grandparents, John Joseph Szymanski Sr. and Victoria Szymanski (née Derengowski), who lovingly raised him.

He is survived by his children, John Joseph Szymanski IV of Clearwater, Florida, and Elizabeth Marie Szymanski of St. Petersburg, Florida; his brothers, Timothy Szymanski Sr. of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Thomas Szymanski Sr. of Largo, Florida; his half-sister, Nikole (Sean) Burke of Crystal Lake, Illinois; his aunts, Patricia (Thomas) Galla of Des Plaines, Illinois, Maryanne Swieca of Wisconsin, and aunt and godmother Sandra Pariso of McKinney, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

An interment of his ashes will take place at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Cemetery in Niles, Illinois, where generations of his family are laid to rest. A date will follow.