Romeoville Honors Longtime Resident, Volunteer

ROMEOVILLE, IL -- Mayor John Noak last week presented a plaque to the family of the late Len Zarek, a longtime Romeoville resident and volunteer, in recognition of his service and dedication to the village.

Zarek, who died in 2015 at age 78, was a Romeoville resident since 1961, founder of the Romeoville Junior Fire Department and a volunteer with the Romeoville Fire Department and Romeoville emergency services.

Zarek also was an active volunteer with organizations including the American Cancer Society and Boy Scouts of America.

“Len was a dedicated individual who volunteered much of his time to many organizations," Noak said. " It was an honor to be able to present his family with a plaque for his commitment to Romeoville. He will be deeply missed."

"Leonard weighed only one pound at birth and went on to achieve many things," according to Zarek's obituary:

He served in the United States Army and National Guard for six years. He retired as a Battalion Chief from Argonne National Laboratory Fire Department after 35 years of service. Member of Romeoville Volunteer Fire Department, served as Police and Fire Commissioner for the Village of Romeoville. Leonard organized the first Romeoville Junior Fire Department. He also was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 20 in Romeoville, Served as Chairman of the Romeoville Chapter of the American Cancer Society. He also very proudly served as Secretary of the Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners Association. Many people will remember him as their CPR Instructor, he touched and inspired many people and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mayor John Noak presents a plaque to the family of Len Zarek/Image via Village of Romeoville