Peter Andrew Polesel

Only one short month after the loss of our dear sister Sally, the Polesel family has been rocked by another devastating loss. Our brother Peter A. Polesel was unexpectedly called home to the Lord on January 26, 2025 at the age of 62, passing peacefully in his sleep.

Pete was born in Joliet, IL to Peter and Virginia (nee Chmielewski) Polesel on March 6, 1962.

Surrounded by sisters while growing up came with its challenges, but Pete embraced a household filled with love. He developed a sense of kindness and protective instinct that his family knew they could always count on. Pete genuinely rooted for people. He wanted good things for everyone around him, and was always willing to sacrifice a part of himself to help others find that. In the wake of Sally’s passing, Pete stepped up and took on many of the responsibilities that she had left behind. In the midst of such immense pain, he once again defaulted to his protective instincts regarding his two remaining sisters.

He graduated from Joliet West High School in the class of 1980, and then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois in 1984. After completing his studies, he went on to use his admirable skills and knowledge as an IT Manager for ComEd for almost 30 years. Pete was a dedicated supporter to his beloved town of Rockdale, serving on the Village of Rockdale Board for over 15 years.

Pete was a true example of miracles and the Power of Prayer surviving a horrific motorcycle accident on 9-18-2009. His diagnosis was extremely grim, with hardly any hope of surviving even from the doctors. With his family and friends continually rooting and praying for him, he was able to come back and live a happy life for 16 years, even with his challenges. He found comfort and friendship with the brain injury support group, his dedicated family, and his wonderful friends. Anyone that truly knew Petey was always embraced by his genuine wit, infectious laugh, and unforgettable smile!

Pete’s greatest passions in his life were his love of snow skiing, going on several trips with his buddies and his love for blues music, especially his outings to see his lifelong friend, Mondo and the Chicago Blues Angels. Pete was an expert card player enjoying playing cards and games with his sisters every Saturday night. His intelligence was unmatched and to be undeniably admired by all.

Pete’s sense of faith was strong, as he was a longtime member of the congregation of St. Joseph’s Church in Rockdale. He strongly believed, as did his siblings, that while our time here is limited, our existence does not end and our ability to remind our loved ones of that fact is never severed. Pete knew in his heart that his mother, his father, and his sister Sally continued to watch over them and would send signs of their continued love and guidance. Pete’s protective nature will surely extend beyond this Earthly realm and will undoubtedly find a way to help carry his two remaining sisters through this unimaginably challenging time.

Peter was preceded in death by his loving parents Pete and Jean, his cherished older sister Sally, and his brother-in-law Jerry Martin.

He is survived by his beloved sister Nancy (the late Jerry) Polesel Martin, his dear sister Marlene Polesel, as well as many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

While the immense pain of this loss for Nancy and Marlene is indescribable, they can take a small amount of solace in knowing that Pete has joined Mom, Dad, and Sally in the beauty and peace of Heaven, and there they will await the arrival of the remaining Polesel family members until all are together once again in the paradise that God has promised.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s at 9:00 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, February 11, 2025 for closing prayers before processing to Queen of Apostles Parish, 18 Woodlawn Ave. Joliet, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Immediately following mass, we will proceed to Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL for Pete’s interment.