Joseph J. Starosta, 80, of Elgin, formerly of Brookfield, died peacefully on May 28, 2026. Born in Chicago, where his remarkable journey began on a summer’s day in July, he dedicated his life to public service, working as a firefighter, always ready to put others before himself. He served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School.
Joe was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Vickie, just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter.
Otherwise he spent his entire life living in Brookfield, working in Berwyn in a butcher shop and then in Brookfield protecting those who lived and worked in the Brookfield-Riverside area. He was a captain of the Brookfield Fire Dept. where he worked for 46 years. He also worked at Brookfield Zoo for 30+ years in life safety.
He had an innate curiosity and a steady hand, both valuable traits that he applied as a skilled mechanic. He found tranquility in fishing and a delight in model trains — pastimes that filled his days with happiness. Joe was also an animal lover and had many pets who adored him.
He moved to Elgin seven years ago due to health issues.
Joe was the father of James (Natalie) Starosta and Robyn (Jeffrey) Pearson; and the grandfather (Grampie) of Abigail, Emersyn, Alexander, Christopher and William. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Sherlag and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Starosta.
Visitation was held at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 95 S. Gilbert St. South Elgin, on June 1. Funeral Mass was celebrated on June 2 at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church, 131 S. Crest Ave., Bartlett. Interment will be private.