Obituary of Scott B. Birsa
It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the passing of Scott Brian Birsa, affectionately known as "Scottie," on June 27, 2025. Scottie transitioned peacefully at home in Plainfield, IL, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 16, 1964, Scottie brought immense joy, humor, and quiet warmth to everyone he met.
Scottie was the cherished son of Thomas James Birsa and Anne Loretta Birsa (nee Crowther) and a devoted brother to Thomas (Cheryl Castellano) Birsa, Jr., Kathleen Birsa-Smith (Chris Smith), and Suzanne Birsa (“Tommy, Kathy and Susie”). He was a loving father to Holly Blaskey and the late Rachel Cline, former brother-in-law of Karen Nelson McCubbin; and a beloved uncle and friend to many. His godparents were Susan Crowther Swift and Don Birsa.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Eloise Crowther; paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Rose Birsa; daughter, Rachel Cline; niece, Jacqueline Birsa; and beloved bulldog, Lizzy.
Scottie’s legacy of love, humor, and kindness will be carried on by his nieces and nephews: Stephanie (Andrew Moczarnik) Birsa, Lauren Birsa (Danny Brandt), Alex Birsa (Pat Melby), Lindsay Legare, and Nick Legare (Heather Candela); and his great-nieces and nephews: Dylan Neilis, Taylor Coday, Joey Hannigan, Anthony Hannigan, Hayden Melby, Holly Melby, Layla Birsa, Ellie Birsa, and Charlotte Legare. His adored American Bulldogs, Lizzy and Jake, were always close to his heart.
Scottie grew up in Plainfield, IL, along the DuPage River and loved riding his Arctic Cat Snowmobile, playing outside, cherishing his many animals, building forts, and collecting beer cans. A graduate of Joliet Catholic High School in 1982, Scottie was a talented wrestler and athlete. In his adult life, his love for his bulldog Lizzy, his Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle, and cooking were his greatest passions. A talented chef, he delighted in preparing meals for family and friends, always from scratch and only using organic ingredients. We will miss our family meals together the most. His sister Kathy and Scottie loved to ride their motorcycles together, and just a few weeks ago, they rode 125 miles together to Starved Rock and back—his last ride. Additionally, his love for 70s and 80s music, his fish, and his passion for collecting memorabilia enriched the lives of those around him. He was an avid Chicago White Sox, Bears, and Bulls fan. Our family loves Neil Diamond and cherishes the memories of the times he would take us all to his concerts.
As a celebrated bartender at Bobby’s Tap and, recently, Magpie’s, Scottie became a local legend, known for his warmth, wit, and remarkable sense of humor. He was renowned for crafting the best Bloody Marys in town, delighting patrons and friends alike with his witty personality and signature touch.
Scottie’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jeanene Sparrow and Denise Talbott Hodes for their unwavering love, strength, and care in his final weeks. Profound gratitude is also extended to the incredible team at Lighthouse Hospice, including Christina Grzybowski, Tina Mascheri, and Debi Saylor, for their attentive and unwavering support. The family is profoundly grateful to Stephanie Birsa, Scott and Sue Crowther, and Sr. Grace Henneberry for their love and support during this difficult time. Additionally, we thank all of our Birsa and Crowther cousins who were always checking in, as Scottie was genuinely loved.
Scottie was a beacon of love, resilience, and joy. His spirit will forever be remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. A celebration of his life will be held to honor his memory and the profound impact he had on all our lives. We will never be the same. “Scottie Be Good” will forever be etched in our hearts—of course, there was a CONVOY waiting for you.
Visitation for Scott Birsa will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lighthouse Hospice (www.lighthousehospice.com) or Will County Humane Society (www.willcountyhumane.com) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
