Patrick Michael Czerwinski (1938–2026)

(Pat) Michael Czerwinski lived a life rich with music, laughter, service, and deep devotion to the people around him. Anyone who knew Pat remembers his quick wit, his generous heart, and the unmistakable joy he found in sharing music, movement, and humor with others. He had a gift for making people smile — whether through a perfectly timed one‑liner, a lively accordion tune, or a playful pun. Even in his final days, he continued spinning funny tales and trading playful barbs with those who visited, proving that his sense of humor was one of his most endearing traits.

Music was the thread that ran through Pat’s entire life. From the time he was a young boy in Milwaukee, he seemed to understand instinctively how music could bring people together. He began accordion lessons early, and by age 9 was already playing at weddings, earning money doing what he loved. Over the years, he mastered anything with keys — accordion, piano, keyboard, organ — and even taught himself guitar in mid‑life. His tastes were wide‑ranging: classical, jazz, bluegrass, Cajun and Creole, polkas, and more. If it had rhythm, Pat could play it, sing it, or dance to it. And dance he did — especially with JoAnn, the girl (and future wife) he met at church youth dances and St. Mary’s Academy musicals. Together, they were a pair who could light up the dance floor.

Pat’s love of movement extended beyond music. Sports were a constant source of joy, competition, and connection. He played softball and tennis well into his senior years, collecting trophies that reflected both his skill and his enthusiasm. With his children, he was a patient teacher and an energetic playmate — tossing softballs in the backyard, showing them how to hit a tennis ball, teaching them to dive, and cheering from the sidelines at track meets, little league games, basketball courts, and volleyball matches. And through it all, he remained a steadfast Green Bay Packers fan, loyal to the end.

He also cherished time outdoors, especially fishing trips to northern Wisconsin. Pat loved the quiet challenge of chasing walleye, northern pike, muskie and bass, and he spent countless hours helping his younger children fish in the lily pads for perch and bluegill. While in Louisiana, he found new fishing grounds on the Sabine River and Cross Lake, sharing those adventures with friends.

Pat’s humor, curiosity, and love of learning shaped the way he raised his seven children. Education mattered deeply to him — not just academic achievement, but the habits and values that support it: reading, hard work, good study skills, and, of course, proper grammar. He believed in the importance of the arts as well, taking his children to theaters, orchestras, and cultural events to broaden their world and spark their imaginations.

Pat’s life was also defined by service. He was deeply committed to helping those facing hardship, quietly and consistently supporting charitable causes throughout his life. His faith was central to who he was, and he was an active member of several parishes over the years — St. Simon in Indianapolis, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Shreveport, and St. Christopher in Indianapolis. He served as a lay minister, song leader, and choir member, finding joy in both the music and the community of daily mass.

As president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Pat and team spent many Saturday mornings picking up and delivering donations to individuals and families in need. In Shreveport, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, packing and delivering hot meals to seniors. And wherever he lived, he brought music to nursing homes, playing the accordion and singing to brighten the days of residents. He also occasionally performed with musician friends at local festivals, sharing his talent simply for the joy it brought others.

Pat’s story began in Milwaukee, where he was born on March 17, 1938, to Henry and Helen (Tokarski) Czerwinski. A bright student at Don Bosco High School, he immersed himself in music, singing in the glee club and performing in musicals. He was accepted to Marquette University for engineering but discovered a fascination with psychology, ultimately earning his B.S. in Psychology. While at Marquette, he also participated in ROTC, setting the stage for his early military service.

After college, Pat fulfilled his obligation to serve his country. He joined the Army and moved with JoAnn and their first daughter to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he served two years as a 2nd lieutenant and welcomed the birth of their first son. After a brief return to Milwaukee, the growing family moved to Indianapolis in 1966. There, Pat began a long career in Personnel and Benefits management with Western Electric, later absorbed by AT&T. His blend of psychology, math, and financial expertise made him a trusted leader. When the Indianapolis office closed, he transferred to AT&T in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he continued in management until retiring after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. He later returned to Indianapolis to live near family.

Through every chapter of his life — as a musician, father, friend, volunteer, veteran, and man of faith — Pat brought warmth, humor, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that make life meaningful. His legacy lives on in the music he shared, the laughter he inspired, and the family he loved so dearly.

Pat is survived by his sister Barbara Rewolinski, former wife JoAnn Czerwinski, and a large family:

  • 7 children (Mary Czerwinski & partner Savas Parastatidis, Dan Czerwinski & wife Char Czerwinski, Linda Cruz, Carol Thomason & husband Trent Thomason, Judi Renner & husband Jeff Renner, Tom Czerwinski & wife Katie Czerwinski, and Eileen Czerwinski)
  • 14 grandchildren (Sophie Duba & fiancé Alex Rosenblatt, Nick Duba & wife Kim Duba, Tess Graham & husband David Graham, Keith Czerwinski & wife Hannah Czerwinski, Alan Czerwinski & fiancé Colleen Claire, Marisa Cruz, Nina Thomason & husband Jeff Mayolo, Grayson Thomason, Isabelle Thomason, Danielle Thomason, Carson Renner, Camryn Czerwinski, Payton Czerwinski and Jordyn Czerwinski)
  • 5 great‑grandchildren (Judah Graham, Elizabeth Graham, Juni Czerwinski, Vivi Czerwinski, and Noah Czerwinski)

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am ET (with a visitation starting at 10am ET) at St. Christopher Parish, 5301 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46224.

If you’re so inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to one of Pat’s cherished charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends, caretakers and loved ones who’ve provided support to Pat throughout his journey.