Peter C. Winiarski

Peter C. Winiarski, 79, of Lisle, Illinois, passed away on April 21, 2026, from heart disease. He was born on October 20, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Chester Winiarski and Clara (née Witkowski), who preceded him in death.

Peter grew up in a close-knit family in a three-flat home in Chicago, where he lived on the top floor with his parents while extended relatives resided below. Those early years helped shape his deep appreciation for family, a value that remained central throughout his life.

He graduated from Loyola University in 1968 with a degree in Accounting. In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served for two years. Though his time in the Army was brief, Peter often said it defined him—instilling discipline, leadership, and life principles that guided him throughout his career and personal life.

On May 18, 1974, Peter married the love of his life, Bernadette (née Grotovsky). Together, they built a strong and devoted partnership that spanned 52 years, raising their family with care, dedication, and unwavering support.

Peter dedicated 35 years of his professional life to Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, where he worked in finance and accounting. He generously gave his time as a board member for Rush Hospice Partners from 1995 to 2002.

Peter’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bernadette; his daughter, Julia Cabral and her husband Mike; his son, Mark and his wife Heather (nee McWilliams); and his cherished grandchildren, Izabel Howard, her husband Jackson; Megan and Matthew Cabral; Celeste and Ervin Winiarski. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who worked tirelessly to ensure his children were prepared for successful, independent lives.

His love for family extended to his role as a caregiver. After his mother’s passing, Peter took his father into his home and cared for him through his struggle with dementia. He approached this responsibility with compassion, patience, and dignity.

Though not outwardly expressive with his emotions, Peter loved deeply. He treasured time spent with his family, whether visiting loved ones or traveling together to places such as Disney World, Hawaii, and Alaska. He believed strongly in fairness, empathy, and the importance of seeing life from another person’s perspective. While he valued planning and hard work, he also recognized the role of luck in success and treated others with understanding rather than judgment.

Peter held a quiet but steadfast faith that guided his life. He made it a priority to be present for his grandchildren’s special moments.

Peter will be remembered for his integrity, humility, sense of humor, and above all, his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he instilled.

He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave, Lisle, IL 60532, on Sunday, May 3, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral to begin at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, May 4, at the Funeral Home, proceeding to St. Margaret Mary Parish, 1450 Green Trails Dr, Naperville, IL 60540 for an 11:00 am Mass. Interment will follow the Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, 911 North Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support Patient Education in Palliative Care at Rush. Please visit give.rush.edu/pcw or send memorial checks made out to "Rush University Medical Center" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280.