Mitchell James Pacyna

Mitch was born May 25, 1948, in Chicago, IL, to Mathew and Joann (Wezgraj) Pacyna. He grew up in Franklin Park, IL, where he created the Hustlers, a group of friends and families that played ice hockey, softball, and bowling together. There is a reunion taking place this June to celebrate 60 years of friendship.

He worked throughout his life and retired from his last employer, Fed Ex, in 2010. For the past few years, he had worked part-time as a greeter at the Fort Myers Beach Library.

He is survived by his love for the past 30 years, Mary Wojciechowski and their Maltese Lulu; his daughter, Michelle (Robyn) Schuline, Bloomington, IL; his son, Scott (Michele) Pacyna, Hoffman Estates, IL; and his grandchildren, Jenna, Megan, Isabella, and Vaughan, who he and Mary just spent time with this past May in Illinois. He is also survived by his first wife, Judith Pacyna, Bloomington, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepmom, Margaret Pacyna; his brother, Daniel Pacyna; his stepbrother, Jeffrey Piatkowski; and many of his Hustler friends, Cary Cardelli, Richard Hallas, and Bob Kelley, to name a few.

Mitch lived his life the way he wanted: loving his life with Mary and Lulu at Fort Myers Beach, taking pictures of everything and anything, making new friends everywhere he went, enjoying life to the fullest, and earning the nickname of the “Mayor of Fort Myers Beach.”

He was always a Chicago man at heart. Watching the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bears every chance he got and eating his favorite foods, Chicago-style pizza, and hot dogs, with his Miller Lite.

Known by many as a great friend and person to be with, his friends and family at Fort Myers Beach will miss his smile, his love of taking pictures and having friends over at his and Mary’s bar.

Services are currently pending.

Contributions to the GoFundMe page created by Michelle Schuline go to assist Mary with the costs of rebuilding.

Arrangements under the direction of Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Port Charlotte, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpc.com for the Pacyna family.