Donald Jerome Bromberek

Born November 30, 1946 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Martha (Kabat) Bromberek, Don graduated from Joliet Township High School. At age 19, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably as a communications engineer and helicopter gunner and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Don was a proud veteran of the Corps and celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday annually (Semper Fi).

Following his military service, Don graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in business. Don enjoyed a long and successful career in the insurance industry, including with the Hartford, where he met his wife of 35 years, Martha Jane. Don worked as an underwriter, and later as an executive, with a specialty in the commercial transportation industry. Don was known by friends and colleagues for his good judgment, pragmatism, and humor.

An avid naturalist, Don loved the ocean, sailing, fishing, and birdwatching. He collected seashells, sharks' teeth, and coins, whittled walking sticks, and built gardens for his wife and daughters. He studied meteorology and astronomy and was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was always quick with a joke and had no qualms about being the first to laugh at his own punchline, with a laugh that filled the room. He enjoyed puzzles, games, crosswords, and chess, and notwithstanding his competitive spirit, would sometimes let his daughters win. Above all, Don loved spending time with his family.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jane (Donohoe) Bromberek and his twin brother, Ronald Bromberek. He is survived by his daughters, Kristen Bromberek (Blake Williams), and Elaine Bromberek (Michael Profit); sister, Barbara Johnston; brother, Thomas Bromberek; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 830 Elizabeth Street, Joliet, Illinois on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM