Tomasz Karol Bednarek, a devoted husband, father, and esteemed mechanical engineer, passed away suddenly in March 2025. Tomasz was born on March 18, 1964, in Cracow, Poland, Tomasz was the beloved son of Małgorzata and Ryszard Bednarek, and the elder brother to his cherished sister, Joanna.
Tomasz’s academic journey reflected his dedication to excellence. He attended elementary school from 1971 to 1979, followed by King Jan Sobieski The Third High School in Cracow from 1979 to 1983. He later earned a Master of Science in Engineering degree from Polytechnic of Cracow Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in 1988. Shortly after, he completed six months of military training, showcasing his discipline and resilience.
A career spanning over 36 years began in Poland at the Institute of Technology and Petroleum. In 1989, Tomasz married the love of his life, Victoria, and together they welcomed two sons, Matthew and Oskar. In 1993, Tomasz emigrated with his family to the United States, where he built a remarkable life in Chicago and Niles, Illinois.
In the U.S., Tomasz joined Bell & Howell as a mechanical devices designer for mail processing solutions, where his ingenuity led to numerous patents. He later continued his impactful career at Wabtec, designing cutting-edge mechanical systems. His work took him across the globe, including extensive travels to Asia and Europe.
Tomasz also served his community as the president of the Highland Tower Association and as vice president of the HOA, showcasing his leadership and commitment to others. A selfless and hardworking individual, Tomasz was known for his precision, reliability, and unwavering support for those around him.
Beyond his professional achievements, Tomasz was a lover of life’s joys. He adored animals, techno music, skiing, photography, and exploring modern technologies and inventions. He was happiest in the company of friends, savoring his favorite foods—steaks and pierogi prepared by his mother-in-law, and coffee with a hint of chocolate.
Tomasz will be remembered as a passionate, dedicated man whose work reflected his brilliance & intelligence and whose life was an inspiration to all who knew him. An organized individual, he was a loving husband, father, and friend who touched many hearts.
