Michael Allen Zimay

Michael Allen Zimay 

Visitation Thursday, July 30th, 3:00 PM until time of Service, 7:00 PM at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca. Interment private.

In loving memory of Michael Allen Zimay

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Allen Zimay, who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 26, 2026, at the age of 82. Michael passed away in the home he loved so deeply, surrounded by loved ones. This is the very home where he and his beloved wife Patricia of 57 years raised their five beautiful children, filled the years with precious memories alongside their grandchildren, and grew old surrounded by the love of his family. There is a quiet beauty in knowing he spent his final moments in the place that meant the most to him, the place where his life’s greatest story was written. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Jesus fulfilled his promise of eternal life and welcomed Michael home where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering.

Michael was more than just a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was the steady hand everyone reached for, the comforting voice that could calm any storm, and the heart that held generations together. Nothing brought him more happiness than being surrounded by the people he loved the most.

To know Michael, was to love him. He had a heart that welcomed everyone, a smile that could brighten any room, and a goofy sense of humor that never failed to make people laugh. Whether he was telling one of his many jokes, impersonating the many silly characters he loved from movies or that he made up, teasing those he loved, or simply sharing a smile, he had a special way of making every person around him feel important and loved. His laughter was contagious, his kindness was genuine, and his love was unconditional.

Michael also had a lifelong love for Chicago sports, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Blackhawks, was one of his favorite pastimes. Whether he was watching the game from his favorite chair at home or talking sports with family and friends, those moments brought him so much joy. Win or lose, he remained a loyal fan, and some of his happiest memories were simply spending time with the people he loved while rooting for his favorite teams.

As a husband, Michael loved his wife with his whole heart and always made her feel special. Afterall, she was the boss (smile)! Through every season of life, he remained devoted to his wife, standing faithfully beside her through life’s celebrations, challenges, and everything in between. Their 57 years of marriage was a beautiful testament to enduring love, faithful devotion, and the grace of growing through life together. Hand in hand, they built a life marked by unwavering love, countless blessings, and the strength to face every season together. He will forever be her “Cutie."

As a father, he gave his children everything he could. He was the strongest man we ever knew and he worked hard and set the example for his children. He sacrificed often, and loved without limits. He celebrated their victories big or small, carried them through difficult moments, and taught them the values of kindness, honesty, faith, and perseverance. No matter how old his children became, they always knew they had a father whose love would never change. His greatest accomplishment was never found in anything he owned or achieved; it was the family he loved with his whole heart.

To his grandchildren, Michael was simply “Grandpa,” a title he carried with immense pride. His hugs felt like home, his stories became cherished memories, and his laughter filled every room he entered. Whether he was offering advice, sharing another one of his jokes, or simply sitting beside them listening to their many stories, he made each grandchild feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. The lessons he taught and the memories he created will forever live on in our hearts.

Although our hearts are broken by his absence, we find comfort in knowing that Michael’s love for his family doesn't end when life does. It lives on in every lesson he taught us, every tradition he began, every laugh he shared, and every life he touched. His legacy will forever be carried on by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The house that once echoed with his footsteps may now be quieter, but it will forever be filled with his presence. Every room holds a memory, every doorway reminds us of his smile, and every corner reflects the incredible life he built there. While we grieve the loss of the man we loved so deeply, we are endlessly grateful for the 82 beautiful years God blessed us with.

Michael Allen Zimay will be missed beyond words, loved beyond measure, and remembered for all eternity. Though we must say goodbye for now, we hold tightly to God’s promise that because of Christ's death on the cross; this is not the end. We find peace in knowing we will one day see him again. Until that beautiful reunion, we will carry his laughter in our hearts, his love in our lives, and his faith in our souls. Thank you for loving us so completely. You will forever be our Husband, our Dad, our Grandpa, our hero, and our greatest blessing.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” ~ Matthew 25:23