David "Dave" A. Sitko

Dave was born January 4, 1948, in Litchfield, the son of Anton and Amelia Szarzec Sitko. He attended St. Michael's grade school and Staunton High School. Dave then went on to receive his B.A. from SIU-E in Art with a concentration in pottery and a minor in printmaking.

He began his career in Springfield as a display director for Myers Bros. and then on to become the Fashion Director. Dave traveled to NYC and LA, putting on fashion shows at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where he met Tommy Hilfiger, Elton John, Gloria Vanderbilt, and many other renowned celebrities.

Dave's career continued in the world of art, in the floral design arena. He graced many homes in the Springfield and Peoria area with his fabulous florals, catering, and personalized Christmas decorating for clients, friends, family, and churches. Dave retired in 2012. He then was hired by Staab Polk Memorial Home in Chatham in 2015 where he continued to be involved with catering, decorating, and landscaping. Dave was also a volunteer at Hope Thrift Shop and a member of "The Owls" senior citizen group.

He was gregarious, intelligent, and caring. Dave enjoyed singing, dancing, cooking, reminiscing, and spending time with his friends, who were a big part of his life. He adored his nephews and their families and was always present in their lives. Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James "Ernie" Sitko.

He is survived by two brothers, Steven (wife Susan) Sitko of Springfield and Mark (wife Cheryl) of Staunton; five nephews, Tyler Sitko (wife Brittany), Kyle Sitko, Casey Sitko (wife Tristen), all of Springfield, IL, A.J. Sitko (wife, Breanna) of Florida and Marcus Sitko of Missouri; five great-nieces; two great-nephews; and special cousins, Joe Malek and Jason Malek and their families.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham IL. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings. The Memorial Gathering will begin with a prayer service.

Graveside Ceremony: A private family service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265, or the Staunton High School Art Department, In Memory of Dave Sitko, 801 N. Deneen St., Staunton IL 62088.