Obituary : Donald R. Cyborski

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Donald R. Cyborski

Age 83, of Joliet, Don Cyborski passed into God’s grace on January 11, 2026.

He passed peacefully surrounded by family, hours after watching the Bears snatch a 2025 playoff spot from their Packer rivals.

Don was born on December 31, 1942, in Chicago. Growing up on the South Side, he was a steadfast brother to his younger sister Myra, and a supportive son cheering the Cubs with his father as the family built their home from scratch.

Professionally, he spent 60 years working in technology for Argonne National Laboratory's Physics division. After 50 years, Argonne celebrated his "retirement," though he stayed a decade more.

Named "King Bowler of Joliet" in the early ‘70s, Don maintained an average over 200 for decades. As a semi-pro photographer, he did wedding and promotional photography. A lifelong Chicago sports fan, he lived to see the Bears, Cubs, and Hawks play. Above all this, his greatest joy from youth to old age was fishing for bass in Minnesota and Canada.

A beloved member of the congregation at Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet, Don served as an usher, facilitator, board member, and integral part of the "Save Messiah" campaign.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jo M. Cyborski (née Roob); his parents, Robert Cyborski and Gloria Henderson (née Dahl); and his cherished aunt, Letty Dahl.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Cyborski; his sister, Myra Polak (née Cyborski); his sister-in-law, Cindy McFadden (née Burgo); many nieces and nephews; a loving godson; and dear friends of over 50 years who will miss his kindness and quiet presence.

Join us at a casual gathering of remembrance: Celebrating the life of Don Cyborski

Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 14th, 2026, 1pm to 4pm

Eulogy, remembrance, and visitor stories begin at 2pm.

Refreshments provided. Bring stories to share. Casual attire welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431,

or online at mlcjoliet.org/give.

Due to his request, cremation rites have been accorded.

For more information, please call Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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