Ted Szabo, former Portage Park Chamber president, passes away 

Ted Szabo Jr., the former longtime president of the Portage Park Chamber of Commerce, recently died at the age of 63.

Mr. Szabo had been battling cancer.

“Ted Szabo was a lifelong resident of the northwest side of Chicago, growing up in the Dunning community and eventually purchasing a home with his wife Cindy in Norwood Park. He was a graduate of Saint Patrick High School, Wilbur Wright College and Loyola University Chicago.

“During high school and college, Ted worked at Colonial Bank (now US Bank) on west Belmont Avenue. After graduating from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he began working downtown at the Chicago Board of Trade. He also became a licensed real estate agent and started Szabo Realty Inc. Ted transitioned to working full-time as a residential real estate broker and was the President and Designated Managing Broker of Szabo Realty at the time of his death,” the Portage Park Chamber said.

The Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, where Ted was a director, said, “Ted was more than a businessman; he was a neighbor, a friend and an advocate for the area. Over the years Ted played a significant role in shaping Jefferson and Portage Park, always ready with a helping hand, a kind word or expert advice. His professionalism and warmth were felt by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him, and his impact on our local community will be felt for many years to come.”

“Ted’s involvement with the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce and Portage Park Chamber of Commerce and his constant support for community initiatives exemplified his dedication to making the Northwest Side a thriving, welcoming place. He worked tirelessly not only for his clients but also for the overall betterment of our neighborhood. His leadership, generosity, and caring nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” the chamber added.

He served 14 years as president of the Portage Park Chamber and most recently was its secretary. He also was a former president of the Realtor Association of Northwest Chicagoland.

Tivadar “Ted” L. Szabo Jr., 63, loving husband of Cindy; beloved father of Mariska; devoted son of Margaret and Tivadar Sr.; adoring brother of Jennifer Szabo; cherished uncle of Claudia, Alexa, Kamran, Lindsay (David), Kara (Steven), Katie, Joey (Savannah, Amy, Stephen, Victoria, Benjamin, and David; treasured brother-in-law of Frank Cservenyak and Cheryl (Mark) Michals; dear childhood friend of Angelo (Claudia) Zenez; adored buddy of Jeff and Dennis: and cherished pet pops to the late Bailey the Beagle. 

Visitation will be on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home 820 W. Talcott, Park Ridge, IL. Funeral prayers begin at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 with procession to follow at Immaculate Conception for 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation in Ted’s memory. 

Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation
5310 N. Harlem Ave., Suite 210 
Chicago, Il. 60656 

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