Frank John Pasternak, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, with the love of his life, Betty, at his side. Born in 1940, he was the cherished son of the late Frank and Josephine Pasternak and brother to the late Virginia Stefanik.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, embodied in his beloved wife, Betty, and their three children: Frank (Laurie) Pasternak, Nancy (Kevin) Cunneen, and Victoria (Jason) Kegg. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to his eight grandchildren: Jack, Sarah, and Abby Pasternak; Trey, Avery, and Colin Cunneen; and Josie and James Kegg. His spirit shines brightly through them.

Growing up in Chicago, family was always Frank’s top priority. He shared his childhood home with his parents, sister, and cousin Larry, as well as his grandparents. Frank attended St. Mel High School and upon graduation, attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier where he swam on the swim team. He later graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and cheered on his Fighting Illini until the day he died. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps  Reserve.

Frank had a unique gift that brought joy to every gathering. His love for music blossomed at a young age, and he became a talented accordion and piano player. Frank would light up family gatherings, effortlessly playing any song by heart and filling the room with laughter and warmth.

Frank and Betty met on a blind date that sparked a beautiful journey together, leading to a loving marriage filled with cherished memories. They raised their children in Glenview, Illinois, where they were members of St. Catherine Laboure parish.  Together, they created many adventures that included family trips to Kentucky Lake, scuba diving and skiing the slopes of Wisconsin, Michigan and out West. On Saturdays, Frank pursued his favorite pastime which was golf.

In retirement, Frank fulfilled his dream of living on a golf course in Fairview Heights, where he connected with friends over early morning coffee at the Stonewolf Golf Course. He had a knack for striking up conversations with anyone, spreading joy and kindness wherever he went. Frank cherished time spent with his grandchildren, cheering them on at their sporting events, exploring new places, vacationing in Florida or London and Paris, and enjoying family gatherings at home.

In recent years, Frank and Betty embraced each day with love, attending church and exercise classes together, sipping coffee on their screened-in porch, and enjoying a special “date day” every Tuesday. Frank’s heart was full of pride for his family; he never hesitated to share their achievements, finding joy in every moment spent together.

Frank was not just a loving husband, father, and grandfather; he was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. His laughter, love, and spirit will be profoundly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 25th at 10am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 505 Fountains Parkway, Fairviews Heights, IL 62208 followed by lunch at the pastoral center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Frank’s name to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois.