Brian R. Borecky

Brian Ralph Borecky (83) of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on March 15, 2025, at his home from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born November 13, 1941, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the son of Ralph and Doris (Joseph) Borecky. He spent his early childhood years in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Waukegan, Illinois, before his family moved to Lake Villa, Illinois. He attended Grayslake High School, graduating with the Class of 1959.

His first job after high school was at Fansteel Metallurgical Corporation in North Chicago doing drafting. Two years later he began working at Allis-Chalmers in Deerfield, Illinois, and then spent a year attending the Milwaukee School of Engineering to study mechanical engineering before returning to work at Allis-Chalmers. In 1965 he transferred to the Springfield, Illinois plant. There he worked in project engineering doing drafting for construction front end loaders. In 1968, he was transferred to Gadsden, Alabama, until 1970 when he was able to transfer back to Springfield. In 1974 Allis-Chalmers entered a joint venture with Fiat, and by 1979 his engineering design job at Fiatallis had ended after 17 years.

In the meantime, he had met Carol Kennedy at a Singles Only Bunch party. They became engaged in December 1972, and were married on May 27, 1973, at the Forest City Community Church in Forest City, Illinois. He completed his Associates Degree at Lincoln Land Community College and pursued his life-long dream of learning to fly. He started taking flying lessons in 1972 at Bisch Airways at the Springfield airport and obtained his private pilot’s license. Eventually, he earned his commercial pilot’s license with instrument, multiengine, and instructor ratings. In 1975 he purchased an interest in a 1967 Cessna 210 single engine airplane which he owned until 2019.

After 1979 his career path included a multitude of jobs, most of which were either drafting and design or aviation related. He also helped Carol in her accounting office. His aviation jobs included operating an air charter service with his Cessna 210, co-owning a fixed base operation at the Springfield airport, flying 19 passenger twin engine turbo-prop aircraft as a first officer for Midway Connection airline, and working as a flight instructor. He accumulated over 8,000 hours of flight time in his logbook and gave flight instruction to nearly 300 students. He loved giving children and adults their first airplane ride, and he flew many flights in support of the Charlie Wells aviation scholarship and the EAA Young Eagles program. The person he loved flying with most was his son, Kent, who shares his interest in aviation.

Brian was involved in several aviation organizations. He became a member of the Illinois Pilots Association in 1977 and served as the Springfield chapter president for several years. He also became a board member of the state organization and served as state president for three years. His other aviation memberships included Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Cessna Pilots Association (CPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Slip ‘n Skid Flying Club (served as treasurer and president), and Flying 20’s.

Brian starting riding motorcycles when he was in high school, using them for his newspaper route, and his love for them continued throughout his lifetime. His favorite was a 1973 BMW 600CC which he bought new and kept until he was no longer physically able to ride. He loved to travel and used the Cessna for many trips to visit friends and relatives, go skiing, attend Daytona Bike Week, and go on sightseeing vacations all over the United States. He and his family also enjoyed international travel and have visited several foreign countries. Brian looked forward to monthly breakfasts with the Beta Sigma Phi husbands. More importantly, Brian enjoyed being a hands-on dad, helping with all aspects of child rearing, including assisting with 4-H projects in electricity, model rocketry, and small engine repair. His latest and most special role was being Papa Brian to his granddaughter.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Carol, are his son, Kent (Allison) Borecky, and granddaughter, Jessa Borecky of Plainfield, Illinois. His surviving siblings are his brother Leland (Frances) Borecky of Tallahassee, Florida, his sister Darlene (Tim) McCurdy of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, and his sister Jody Mabry of Delavan, Wisconsin. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Larry (Donna) Kennedy of Topeka, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother-in-law, Danny Mabry.

Brian’s family wishes to thank the staff at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Mason City Area Nursing Home, Memorial Home Hospice, and Visiting Angels for their kindness and assistance with his care during his extended illness. Thanks also to the many relatives, friends, and neighbors who have been so supportive.

A visitation for Brian will be held Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711. An additional visitation will occur Monday, March 24, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Bisch Funeral Home West, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM, with Reverend Guy Williams officiating. A graveside service will occur Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 28792 County Road 1900 N., Forest City, IL 61532.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brian’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 (website www.parkinson.org) or to the Zonta Foundation for Women Amelia Earhart Fellowship Endowment Fund, ATTN: Contributions, 4837 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 (website http://www.zonta.org/donate) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.