Carl Silvestrini

Carl “Coach” Silvestrini

June 23, 1940 – March 13, 2026

Carl Silvestrini, 85, of the Logan Square neighborhood died in peace at Resurrection Hospital on Friday, March 13th. He was born in Chicago to his loving parents Americo and Settimia on June 23, 1940. Having attended St. Benedict’s Catholic grammar and high schools at Irving and Leavitt Streets in Chicago, he continued his education at Creighton College, a private Jesuit institution in Omaha Nebraska. There, he earned a spot on the 1961-62 Creighton College Bluejays Men’s Basketball Team wearing #41, participating in a noteworthy 21-5 team record that earned the Bluejays a bid into the 1962 NCAA Tournament. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Art Degree and later returned to teach 8th grade boys history and physical education classes at St. Benedict’s, his alma mater. Carl additionally taught and coached basketball at various other schools including Hales Franciscan, Weber and Lane Tech. He joined the Chicago Police Department on January 3rd, 1977, where he worked in the 023rd District, later promoted to detective serving in Area 6 Youth and the acclaimed Area 6 Violent Crime Unit. He retired as a Sergeant in the 018th District on February 15th, 2003, at 62 years of age with 26 years of honorable service. Throughout his adult life he was known as an armchair philosopher with a front row seat, often volunteering his opinion on sports and politics. His personal brand of satire, charm and wit will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his father, Americo (1988), mother, Settimia (1993) and sister, Norma (2007). He remained a contributing donor to St. Benedicts and Creighton University. He was also a member of Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Police Sergeants Association and the Irving Park YMCA. A brief memorial service will be held at his place of entombment, Maryhill Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 8600 North Milwaukee Ave., Niles IL, 60714, Tuesday March 24th 2026, at 11 a.m. Attendees are requested to meet at the cemetery ‘office’ where we will all then proceed to the chapel. Parking at the ‘chapel’ is available and suggested only for those with limited physical needs. The distances between are fairly close together.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL 60176