Final Semester: A 1947 Tragedy

In 1947, Michael Tysz of Southwick, Massachusetts, was enrolled at the Commercial Trades Institute, a technical school located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. He was studying refrigeration, auto repair, and auto body work.

Also attending the school was Anthony Godek from Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. The two men would stay at rooming houses, and they co-owned a truck, which they sometimes lived in.

On October 28, Michael received a letter from the school regarding his poor academic performance. Upon reading it, he remarked to Anthony, "Gee, a guy in a mess like I'm in ought to shoot himself." Anthony dismissed the comment at the time, thinking little of it.

A few days later, on November 3, Anthony returned from classes to a grim discovery. Inside their truck parked in front of their rooming house at 1604 Lunt Avenue, he found Michael's body with a bullet hole through his head. Michael was holding a knife in his hand, and a .22 caliber rifle lay next to him.

Anthony immediately notified the Rogers Park police. After an investigation, authorities concluded that Michael had likely taken his own life, overwhelmed by despair over his academic struggles.

 

* * * *

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 

nationwide hotline:

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

It is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

 

 * * * *

 

Commercial Trades Institute

 

Michael Tysz Jr.: February 17, 1921 - November 3, 1947.

Anthony Charles Godek: December 20, 1916 - December 13, 1992.

 

If you enjoyed this story, please click the appropriate button below, as this helps gauge the type of content readers like when developing future story ideas.

Shop History and more on Amazon

Amazon may pay the Southwick Time Machine a small commission for any purchases you make when you access your Amazon account through any of the Amazon links on this page.

Edited Out/Author's Additional Research Notes

Michael lived on North Longyard Road.

Michael's sister Olga got married on October 11, 1947. It appears that Michael did not attend the wedding.

Following an automobile crash, police arrested Michael's father for drunk driving in August 1947. He died in 1963. He was born in Austria. Michael's mother was born in Ukraine. She died in 1974.

Michael served two years in the United States Navy. It appears that he was drafted.

Michael's parents were longtime owners of a chicken and dairy farm in Southwick.