Patrick Anthony Benkowski

Patrick Anthony Benkowski was born on May 28, 1955, to Raymond and Veldie (Sokolowski) Benkowski. He enjoyed a happy childhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side, along with his sister Christine. Pat grew up playing many recreational sports, developing a lifelong love of music, and even learned to play the accordion. He studied Communications and Broadcasting at UIC Chicago, and proudly coached his sister’s little league softball team.

Pat met Linda Conner during the early years of his career, and they married in 1981. They settled in Park Ridge, Illinois, where they raised their children, Zachary and Joanna, and enjoyed a vibrant, family-filled chapter of life. Following their divorce in 2000, Pat remained a devoted father, frequently visiting his children in Michigan and cheering them on at countless musical performances and school events.

Pat’s career in broadcasting became the defining passion of his life. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he worked at SportsPhone, Q101, WMET, and Channel 5 News, becoming a recognized voice in Chicago sports media. His energetic reporting, enthusiastic interviewing style, and constant presence at games endeared him to athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Pat covered thousands of sporting events and had a front-row seat to the most thrilling and victorious era in Chicago sports history. He later created his own broadcasting company and produced the Benkowski Sports Spotlight TV show, further cementing his status as a charismatic fixture of the local sports scene.

Pat's passion for sports and pop culture fueled a second career as a trivia writer and host, bringing humor and entertainment to venues across Chicagoland for more than 30 years. It was at a trivia game show that he met his longtime partner, Cindy Freburg.

Patrick is survived by his children, Zach (Amanda Paulson) and Joanna (Anthony Santiago), sister Christine Silvestri (Dan Schulze), nephew John, grandson Ozzie, granddaughter Sophie, and forever family members Linda and Cindy. He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Val, stepmom Lidia, many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his niece Jennifer.

A visitation for Patrick will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2025 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL. Funeral Thursday, February 12, 2025 morning prayer from Blake-Lamb at 10:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bede Church, 8300 S. Kostner, Chicago, IL. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory at www.stjude.org