Brian Keith Zasada Sr., 64, of Kankakee, passed away following a long illness.
A wake will be held at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais on Sunday, October 25,
2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Fr. Marcin Michalak will serve as celebrant, with Deacon Pat Skelly assisting. Burial will follow Mass at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais.
Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, he was the son of Robert L. Zasada Sr. and Sharon (Surprenant) Zasada. He was a member of the Eastridge High School Class of 1980.
Brian proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1986, attaining
the rank of Sergeant.
On September 14, 1985, Brian married MaDonna Mazzuchi at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kankakee. Together, they built a life and family that remained at the heart of his world.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife, MaDonna; his sons, Brian K. Zasada Jr. (Lyndsay) and Brandon Zasada (Tiffany); his sister, Dana (Zasada) Byers; his five granddaughters, Zoey, Evie, Liliana, Angelissa, and Isla Zasada; his mother-in-law, Sandy Mazzuchi; two brothers-in-law;
five sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
Following his military service, he devoted 15 years to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s
Department, where he rose to the rank of Telecommunications Sergeant. He also served as a police officer with several surrounding departments and worked as a paramedic. As an Emergency Telecommunications Instructor, he traveled to numerous states, sharing his knowledge and experience to help prepare others for the challenges of serving their communities.
Throughout his career, he gave so much of himself to helping others, often being there for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His compassion, dedication, and willingness to help others reflected who he was at heart. The impact he made through his work and the lives he touched along the way will always be a meaningful part of his legacy.
Faith was also an important part of Brian’s life. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, where he was especially involved in music ministry. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Brian was a strong-willed, protective, and funny man with a personality all his own. One of his greatest passions was music. He loved music of all genres and was an excellent guitar player, particularly fond of the acoustic guitar. He shared his talent by playing for his family and church, as well as performing for audiences young and old. Music was more than a pastime to Brian; it was a part of who he was and a gift he shared with others. The songs he played and the music he created will remain a treasured part of his legacy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Zasada Sr. and Sharon Kingery; his
stepfather, Arthur Kingery; his brother, Robert L. Zasada Jr.; his maternal and paternal
grandparents; several aunts and uncles; one nephew; and his father-in-law, John Mazzuchi, with whom he shared a close relationship.
Though Brian’s guitar may now be silent, the music he brought into this world will continue to play on in the hearts of those who loved him. May he find eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the memories they shared and the love that will always connect them to him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made according to the family’s wishes.
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