Zenon W. “Zen” Pokvitis, of Naperville, formerly of Chicago, Morton Grove and Glenview, age 75, died Saturday, February 3, 2001, born January 11, 1926, in Chicago, cherished and adored husband of the late Betty, nee Waishwile; beloved father of Sandy (John) Glass, of Naperville, Lynda (Tom) Schewe, of Barrington, and Dave (Renee) Pokvitis, of Springfield, OR; loving grandfather of John (Jennie) Glass, of West Lafayette, IN, Tom (Chrissy) Glass, of Aurora, Kathryn Elizabeth Glass, of Naperville, Brian Glass, of Naperville, Ryon and Dana Schewe, of Barrington, Gregory and Natalie Pokvitis, of Springfield, OR; adored great-grandfather of Abigail Glass, of Aurora; dear brother of Estelle Kirda, of Chicago; devoted son of the late William and Marcella Pokvitis; fond uncle to several. Mr. Pokvitis was born and raised in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. He served as a Private First Class U.S. Army Artillery in Europe during WWII. After the war, Mr. Pokvitis married his wife, Betty, on July 18, 1948 and together they founded the Able Electro Polishing Company, Chicago, in 1954. The business is internationally known as a specialty metal finishing company. Mr. Pokvitis served as chairman and CEO. Mr. Pokvitis was a self taught graduate level chemist. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, painting, and playing chess. He was a former private pilot, cattle rancher and world traveler who visited Africa, China, South America, Europe and Japan. Other interests included investing, philanthropy and U.S. military history. Visitation will be Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m., at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will begin Wednesday, 9 a.m. from the funeral home and proceed to a 9:30 a.m. mass of Christian Burial, at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Interment Naperville Cemetery. The family kindly asks that memorials be made to the donor’s choice. For info 630-355-0213.
