Mitchell R. Masalski

Retired Chicago Police Department, District 18.

Mitchell R. Masalski, 78, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and CPD partner.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janett Masalski; their children Emily Masalski (Brian Chojnowski), Matthew Masalski, Loren Masalski, grandchildren Elsa and Jacob, nieces René Romero Schuler, Gina Kerschner, and nephew Jason Dardo. Preceded in death by his mother, Emily, father Matthew, sister Joan, mother-in-law Elsa, nieces Taña and Kristina.

Mitch cherished his extended CPD family, including his partner Nick Kitowski, Billy Warnock, Tommy Angelo, Chuck Gorski, Dennis Fitzgerald, the ROMEOs, Roman Foszcz, and his many dear friends.

Mitch was a proud graduate of Gordon Tech High School and served in the United States Air Force. He attended forest ranger school in Missoula, Montana for a year before returning home to be a caretaker for his mother. Mitch will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, and steady presence. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, neighbor, and friend, someone who could always be counted on.

In 1972, Mitch joined the Chicago Police Department where his greatest calling was to serve and to protect. He served alongside Kitowski and Gorski in the 18th District Ski Patrol (the name comes from the last syllable of their names). Mitch's adventures included the notable polar bear escape at Lincoln Park Zoo in 1976, plain clothes bike patrols, the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program, the Chicago Bulls championship runs, the 1996 Democratic National Convention alongside the Secret Service, and catching a 6-foot-long boa constrictor with a snake prod and a covered container. In the evenings, he often transported families to the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children's Hospital. After work, Mitch would race to be home with his family and could often be found with a large camcorder at their soccer games. In 2000, he was injured in the line of duty and forever missed his active "Ski Patrol" days.

He was an usher at St. Juliana, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, and the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael the Archangel Patron of Police Council #12173. In retirement, his Thursday lunches with the ROMEOs brought him joy and laughter. Mitch's life was marked by quiet strength, hard work, and a kind heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Chicago Fire Department emergency responders, the medical team, and nursing staff at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital for their heroic efforts in Mitch's final chapter of life. In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions may be offered at St. Juliana Catholic Church or donations made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation's IL-AFLAN (Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network), or the Ronald McDonald Lurie Children's Hospital Wish List.  The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30am at St. Juliana Catholic Church, 7201 N. Oketo Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631, on Saturday May 9, 2026.