HIGHLAND PARK —   Donald D. Zaretsky, a fiercely-independent U.S Air Force veteran who went from humble beginnings growing up in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood to serving in key positions as a financial executive and running his own municipal leasing businesses, will be laid to rest Thursday.

Zaretsky, who was 89, died Jan. 15, 2024 after a series of illnesses -- but not before he proved doctors who thought he might never live a normal life again following a previous illness wrong. Within several months last year, he released his caregiver, got rid of his walker, obtained a new driver's license, began driving again and returned to working out three times a week at a local health club.

He is survived by his wife and Von Steuben High School sweetheart, Jacqueline Field Zaretsky, son Mark Zaretsky, daughter Amy Zaretsky Burke (Michael), daughter-in-law Patricia Zaretzky, grandchildren Ananda Marin (Mike), Shanti Drake, Darcy Zaretsky Salas (Yerson) and Adam Burke, and great-grandchildren Anaya Wolfe and David Salas.

Also, sister-in-law Geraldine Field, niece Cathy Shulman and sister-in-law Tessie Zaretsky.

He was predeceased by his parents, David & Mollie Zaretsky, inlaws Harry & Mildred Field, son Ken Zaretzky, sister Frances Zaretsky, brother Jack Zaretsky, sister-in-law Gertrude Zaretsky, nephew Larry Zaretsky, niece Donna Zaretsky Hedl and nephew Jonathan Shulman.

Prior to retiring, Zaretsky owned two municipal leasing companies. He was a graduate of Chicago's Von Steuben High School and Northwestern University, from which he held an accounting degree.

As young man, at the time he met his wife, he drove a fish truck and smoked fish for his parents' popular North Side fish store, The Village Fishery, shifting gears when it was time to leave for college at University of Illinois and later Northwestern. As a young father, he introduced his family to a wide variety of Chicago ethnic culture an food, taking them to Japanese, Chinese, Korean and other ethnic restaurants in the city that they might not have experienced until much later with a less adventurous father. At home, he learned how to cook with a wok and made big, steaming pots of chili, among other dishes.

Zaretsky will be laid to rest with military honors Thursday at 2 p.m., with indoor services at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 W. Montrose Ave. in Norridge, IL. Shiva will follow from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Am Shalom Israel Tzedakah Fund, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022, or www.amshalom.com/payment.php.

Arrangements By Ner Tamid Funerals - 847-504-7336 or www.NerTamidFunerals.com