Slezak, Charles J. (Charlie), 1922 - 1995.

Charles "Charlie" John Slezak was born in Berwyn, Illinois on June 7, 1922. His father, Jerry Slezak, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia, came to the United States in 1912. In 1914, Jerry married Frances, a native of Chicago. Charlie Slezak was the youngest of three children. He attended grade school in Berwyn, Illinois and high school in Cicero, Illinois. On November 26, 1942, Slezak enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended Naval School at the University of Kansas, and then Machinist Mate School and Packard Marine Engine School in Detroit, Michigan. In the summer of 1944, Slezak served in Saipan, an island in the Marianas. On August 22, 1944, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their participation in this invasion. It is unclear with which unit Slezak served during his time in the Navy, however it was most likely in association with the 4th Marine Division. On January 22, 1946 Slezak was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy with the rank of 1st Class Machinist Mate. In February of that year he returned to Chicago and began working for the Continental Can Company where he had served as an apprentice before the war. Slezak married his childhood friend, Mildred Hurt on June 8, 1946. From 1946 until 1959 he worked in various positions with the Continental Can Company. In 1959 he purchased the Manor True Value Hardware store in Cicero. He and his wife continued to operate the store until 1979, successfully doubling and tripling the size of the business in 20 years. In addition to being a profitable business, the hardware store initiated a career of community and political involvement for both Slezak and his wife. Beginning in the mid-1970's Slezak served as the Berwyn Township Republican Committeeman. He served as the Campaign Chairman for Citizens to Elect Judy Baar Topinka State Representative, 7th District in 1979 and again as her aide in 1981. Slezak was reappointed as Berwyn Township Republican Committeeman in 1981, and also worked with the Illinois Secretary of State in 1983. In addition to his political involvement, Slezak chaired many community associations and committees in and around Berwyn. In 1978, he returned to Saipan to visit the island where he served during most of the war. Each year, he organized reunions for his navy buddies in various locations across the country. Charles Slezak died on September 20, 1995 in Berwyn, IL.