John L. Cisneros, 64, of Brookfield, died at University of Chicago Medical Center on Oct. 2, 2021, from complications from cancer.
He is the cherished son of Maria M. Cisneros (nee Trevino) and the late Luis N. Cisneros, the husband of Rhonda L. Cermak, the father of Lisa M. Ladendorf (Keith) and grandfather of Donovan.
Mr. Cisneros was born March 10, 1957 in Brownsville, Texas. Some of his fondest childhood memories were playing at his grandfather Eduardo’s ranch with his beloved sister and brother, Dr. Laura E. Cisneros and Albert Cisneros (Ana), and their many cousins.
An avid music fan since birth, Mr. Cisneros was gifted a trumpet for his 13th birthday from his mother, Maria, and the official musician in him was born. He would own and play that trumpet for the rest of his life.
His love of music was only second to his love for his family, and he played in several bands over his lifetime. He enjoyed singing and hosting karaoke for several years at the local watering hole, and for private parties, and acted as an occasional DJ.
Mr. Cisneros worked at Ryerson Steel for more than 30 years before retiring in his early 50s. A man with a strong work ethic and not one to sit around, he soon began working again and would spend his final years as a security guard at Lyons Township High School.
He had a strong sense of community and became a valued member of the Brookfield Police Department’s auxiliary team, a position he would hold for more than 20 years, eventually becoming treasurer.
Through his work with the police department and because of his musicianship, he was invited to play “Taps” for several years at various Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. Community members may also remember him as the “dancing cop,” who would lead people in line dances while patrolling Brookfield’s annual summer dances in the street.
Mr. Cisneros was loved by all who knew him. In addition to his family mentioned above, he is survived by his nephews and nieces, Christian Cisneros, Ryan Cermak, Jamie Cermak, Jacquelyn Kendrick Humphreys (Adam, and Mark Kendrick (Leslie); his brothers and sisters-in-law, Denise and Dave Kendrick and Jeff and Donna Cermak; his aunts, Enriqueta Bermea (Felipe) and Adelita Hinojosa (Oscar); and his uncle, Daniel Treviño. John was preceded in death by his aunt, Eudelia.
As Mr. Cisneros was a strong supporter of veterans, the military and law enforcement, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (DAV), 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, Kentucky, 41018.
Visitation is on Wednesday, Oct, 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. Interment is at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park.
Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at JohnsonNosek.com.
