Joseph Andrew Bylak, 59 of Arkansas, formally Chicago, IL, passed away on July 22, 2024, after sustaining injuries from an accident on his bike while descending the Col de Turini Mountain pass in France. He was riding in an amateur version of the Tour de France.

 Joe was born on December 19, 1964, the son of John J. and Frances L. (Drewry) Bylak. He is preceded in death by his father John J. and brother, Steven M. Bylak. He is survived by his four children, Hannah, Mitchell, Jessica, and Samantha and his mother, Frances.  He is mourned by his siblings, Kathy (Jim), Tony (Katie), John (Sara),twin sister Diana (Tom), and Chris (Rose) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Joe graduated from Bogan High School, Chicago in 1983. He earned his BS from Eastern Illinois University. Upon graduation, he worked for the Chicago Fire Department as a firefighter while studying for the MCAT to qualify for admission to medical school. After passing the MCAT, Joe left the fire department to attend Strich School of Medicine, Loyola. Upon graduating as an MD, Joe continued on to the University of Illinois Chicago to study Orthopedics, becoming a Nationally recognized Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Joe furthered his career by accepting an internship in Lake Tahoe, CA to study both sports medicine and trauma. After his internship was completed, Joe practiced in the Chicago area before accepting a position at Mercy Clinic Orthopedics in Fort Smith, AR.

 Joe enjoyed traveling, race car driving, biking, and hunting.  He loved his family and friends immensely and would do anything to help people in need. Joe had a deep faith in God and always prayed with his patients before surgery without exception.

 Joe lived his life doing what he loved to the very end. He biked across Italy and France for three weeks with only one day left on the tour before his accident. He saw so many beautiful sights and made many friends from all over the world.  His silly grin and funny laugh will be greatly missed. Joe, until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts.  We love and miss you so much.

There will be an open house Celebration of Life Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Please join our family to celebrate Joe and share your memories with us.

Krapil’s Steakhouse and Patio

6600 West 111th St.

Worth, IL. 60482

*** In Joe's honor and memory, our family has chosen to donate to Folds of Honor Foundation, benefiting and provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and to the families of America’s first responders.

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