So sorry to hear about this loss- I believe him & Dr Prieto did my ACL surgery at cook county hospital in Chicago BACK in 1999- I was soo young, immigrant and have no insurance but I remember they were soo good to me. RIP & my condolences to the family 

Perspective from a patient - I hope the family knows how much his patients loved him! We only knew him professionally and we absolutely loved him!!    Even though he left Fort Smith quite some time ago, he's still a name we know and remember, remembered as a legend.  He treated us all, 3 generations, sprained ankles to knee surgeries.  

He was wonderful with people. We felt that he cared, that our case was somehow special amongst the hundreds of people he saw. Once during pre-op visit he wrote 'JB' on the knee and the person asked "Are you going to fix this?" and Dr. Bylak said "My initials are JB, not JC".   Another time, after what was supposed to be a routine knee surgery (take weekend off, start walking on Monday), while still groggy, he said "Do you remember all the pre-surgery instructions?"  me: barely even sure of my name, mumbled a weak yes, to which he replied "well forget it all, you have a new one - no weight bearing for 6-8 weeks".  The way he said things just made you laugh, even if it wasn't the best news. His professional instincts saved my daughter from having a pin in her femur. This took extra time - he had to make some calls, devise a plan, and depart from the normal protocol - and it worked! When someone got hurt, we joked about 'getting' to go see Dr. Bylak.  As families do, we still tell stories about our injuries and Dr. Bylak is right there in them, somehow part of the story itself, making the story better because he was there.  Remembered with love.

Dianna and family. So sorry, just learned of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.                                                              Sympathy, Tom Wilson

I just heard of this. My sincerest condolences to his children and family for your immense loss. I knew Joe during his residency at UIC. I was a dietitian at Cook County Hospital, and we met during one of his rotations at County. I remember he was so tall and attractive with his sparkly brown eyes and sweet smile and personality. We dated for several months, but it just didn’t work out. I think he was still getting his footing in his residency and was working so many hours (before the work hour limits for residents), and not enough time for studying and other aspects of life at that time. He was such a great doctor, and kind person. I’m so saddened to hear about his passing. Keeping his family in my prayers. 

I just found out about this tragedy.  I am an RN case manager and worked with Dr. Bylak on a few shoulder cases while  he was at Mercy  Fort Smith.  He was one of my favorite Ortho surgeons     He was so easy to work with.  So compassionate, so down to earth.  He spoke to my clients at a level and language they can understand.  I missed referring to him when he left  practicing medicine.  I will not forget that smile and his twinkly eyes.  My sympathy to his children, his mom and siblings.  Rest in eternal peace Dr Bylak 

I rode with, ate with, and got to know Joe during our 3 week bike trip this summer with Thomson Tours at the Tour D France.  We had many laughs with multiple stories being reminisced over some wine and dinner.  His death on the descent of Col de Torini was so sudden and tragic. Joe had been so happy with his accomplishments of tackling 3 weeks of such challenging rides. 

I haven’t seen Joe for years, but this still hits close to home. He was my senior resident, always held his juniors to a high standard, and taught me a lot about being a good surgeon but a even better doctor. His laugh and grin were infectious! I’m so glad he was enjoying himself right til the end. Condolences to his family and friends.

To ,Joe and family , my deepest sympathies, I can’t believe this tragic accident, but knowing big Joe, he lived life to the fullest meeting new people along the way, we first met through his friendship with my brother Lenny Maes, in time we also became good friends, spending many days together on the Bogan high school football field, I’ll always remember him and our younger days working hard to become a great football team, at that time, Joe showed what a great leader and supporter he was on and off the field, with jokes and hard work, he will truly be missed . My condolences to all family and especially his children and wife…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Pagoda - 500 Pit Challenge

Our deepest condolences to the Bylak family and all of those who loved Joe. Phil and Sara Leto

Our condolences to Joes family and ALL of the Bylaks. Prayers to family and friends.

Tim OReilly and family