Edward Derwinski Obituary

Derwinski, The Honorable Edward J. Loving husband of Bonnie Derwinski. Dearest Dad of Maureen (John) Quattrocki and Michael (Kim) Derwinski, and stepfather of Maggie Hickey (Tony Ashley) and Kevin (Javalen) Hickey. Proud DziaDza of Sarah and Michael Quattrocki, Natalie and Jacob Derwinski, Alexander and Avery Ashley and Declan Hickey. Fond brother of Bernadette (Joe) Ferrara, and the late Tom, Casimir, and Paul Derwinski. Dear Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Dear Friend to many. Ed served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives 1958-1959, member of the United States House of Representatives from the Illinois 4th Congressional District (1959-1983), appointed by President Reagan as Counselor to the State Department (1983-1986) and Under Secretary of State for the Security Assistance, Science and Technology (1987), and appointed by President George H. W. Bush as the First Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (1989-1992). Current and proud member of The Board of Directors Republic Bank. Visitation will be held at Michael Coletta Funeral Home, 544 W 31st Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616 on Friday, January 20, 2012 3-9pm. Family and Friends will meet at Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois 60608 for an 11:00am Mass on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Interment Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. Memorials may be made to VITAS Innovative Hospice care 580 Waters Edge, Suite 100 Lombard, Illinois 60148, Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.pva.org or Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org. For information call (312)225-8500.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 19, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Edward Derwinski

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I am still thinking about Edward and His Family. I met him twice in my life. All that meetings were very encouraging. I miss Him so much. He was a Great Man.
Zdzislaw

December 21, 2012

Mrs. Derwinski & family,
I just now learned of Mr. Derwinski's passing. His integrity and personal commitment to people and society live on. My dad (Roy Benson, RIP 2006) treasured his lively conversation and good advice. His appointing me to the Naval Academy made a big difference in my life. I especially recall his support for his boys at the academy, far from home. I wish I could thank him once again for his good work for our community and for the US.

Richard Benson

May 15, 2012

My Mother, Florence Huff appreciated Congressman Derwinski's yearly speeches at Lane Elementary and Prairie Jr. High in District 126. Congressman Derwinski was a Delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention while I was an Alternate Delegate so I was fortunate to get to know him better. In 1978 my sister in law was a candidate for what is now the Water Reclamation District. Congressman Derwinski provided valuable assistance to the campaign. Congressman Derwinski was a great American. God Bless.
John G. Huff

January 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, Bonnie. I am very sorry for your loss.

Georgie Fessett

January 27, 2012

My mom and dad, Peg and Gene, were good friends of Mr. Derwinski. I heard the news after returning from vacation. Condolences from the Leonard family.

January 27, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Helen Altieri

January 25, 2012

Dear Bonnie & Family -

My sister informed me of Ed's passing while I am again training with Soldiers of the US Army here in Germany.

There are not enough words to express what a wonderful man and patriot he was. The measure of his personal loyalty and friendship was reflected when you both attended my mom's wake in Chicago Heights - for which I am still extremely grateful.

My siblings (Sue Werntz, Bill Albrecht and Don Albrecht) and I hope you will accept our sincerest condolences.

George Albrecht USMA '69

January 22, 2012

My deepest sympathies to you Bonnie and your family. Sorry for your loss.

Ronald S. and Marianne Grzybowski

January 22, 2012

Ed was a wonderful man who always stood at our side in the long fight for freedom for Cyprus. He was admired and loved by all. I learned a great deal from his wisdom.

Frank Manta

M Frank Manta

January 22, 2012

This US Navy WAVES Veteran salutes you, Sir, and thanks you for your service to our great country.

Toby Padgett

January 21, 2012

May the God of all comfort be with in this time of sorrow and give you hope that his word does impart like john five verse twentyeight and twenty nine.

January 21, 2012

WE ARE SENDING OUR PRAYERS,LOVE,&CONDOLENCES TO THE DERWINSKI FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. DERWINSKI.

KEN&MARY O'DANIEL

January 21, 2012

I remember Ed and my father discussing politics for hours. He always put his country and constituents first. He always made a point of visiting schools to engage students in discussions about their country and what was happening. He will be missed. May he find peace with God.

Murray Barr

January 21, 2012

May the power of God's word heal your family during this time.1Peter 5:10.
G.R. Park Forest,IL

January 21, 2012

Dear Mrs. Derwinski,

Sorry to hear of your loss.
Ed helped me & my family , that words cannot express our
appreciation.

Our good friend, may you rest in blissful peace, & thanks.

Mrs. Jean Ryjewski & Family
Chicago, Ill

January 20, 2012

To Bonnie and the entire Derwinski Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. As so many before me have expressed, Ed was an extraordinary man, who made a difference in this world. May he rest in peace.
P.S. Bonnie, you do know Bro was there to greet him, and they're busy, busy, busy, making Republicans.

January 20, 2012

Dear Bonnie and family, Peter joins me in expressing our most sincere sympathy on the loss of Ed. May God bless all of you and console you at this time of loss. With affection, Pat Daley Martino

Patricia Martino

January 20, 2012

Cong. Derwinski served my district when I was growing up in Hinsdale, IL, and he was an able congressman and a good man. Condolences to the family.

January 20, 2012

My sincere sympathies to the family of Ed Derwinski. I worked for Ed, Casimir & Tom at West Pullman Savings from 1967-1970. They were like family.

Lynn Divine-Choate

January 20, 2012

Bonnie... Lorna and I have thought of you often since we worked with you at INS. Those were wonderful times. We are sorry for your loss of Ed and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Verne Jervis

January 20, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you Bonnie and your family. I'm sorry that me and Gracie couldn't be at the wake. Just that we are thinking of you.

Helene Grzybowski-Sampson

January 20, 2012

With deepest sympathy in your loss. May the peace of God that excels all thoughts be with you.

Linda

January 20, 2012

Dear Bonnie & Family,

Ed was a dear friend of mine and did so much for so many.
Americans have no idea of all the people he has helped.
Bonnie, we will pray for you at this sad time in your life.

Ed, my good friend, rest in the hands of Jesus in paradise !!

Ed & Loretta Dykla
President Emeritus PRCUA
Boynton Beach, Fla.
P.S. We would be at the Mass but we are in
Florida for the winter...God Bless...

January 19, 2012

During the 1960's; I had the privilege of talking with Ed at a small group gathering. How I wish that we had people of his caliber in government today. He left a wonderful legacy for us all.

Wiliam J. Galle

January 19, 2012

Ed was the last GOOD congressman our district had and a great American. God be with the family.

January 19, 2012

Maureen and John, Joan and I would like to extend our sympathy on the death your dad. He was a great man and you should be proud of all he did. I love the fac that it was because of him that you met. Life is quite wonderful in that simple things often have wonderful results.

John and Joan Ormsby

John Ormsby

January 19, 2012

The Barr family loved Ed and we send our deep regrets and prayers at Ed's passing. Our Dad, Charles Barr was Ed's first State Central Committeeman, Campaign Chair, and good friend. I had the pleasure of working one summer for Ed as a Congressional intern. Ed had nicknames for everyone, and I sort of enjoyed being called "Sir Galahad". I think my Mom appreciated it as well. Stories are too numerous to tell - about the political implications of his first car purchase as a candidate, to the interesting ways of raising campaign funds, to the various intrigues of life as a Congressman that were shared with our family. Ed had a great sense of humor, and as a Congressman, knew and lived the meaning of "service". Our country could use Ed and more like him now. God bless everyone in his family and in his world of friends.
With love. David Barr

David Barr

January 19, 2012

Mrs. Derwinski -- Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Your husband was kind enough to call me back in 1962 to suggest that I consider the US Merchant Marine Academy, which I did, and to which he appointed me as the Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Illinois. He visited the Academy at least twice wihile I was there and once even before that in June of 1962. I was excited to see his various government appointments over time. He was truly a good man. I also see that his requiem mass will at Holy Family which is right next to St. Ignatius High School, my alma mater. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. Donald Sheetz

Donald Sheetz

January 19, 2012

Sympathy & kindest regards to Ed Derwinski's family & friends wherever they may be. God bless one & all. Ed Derwinski made his mark in war & peace. His legacy is very special & enduring. Take care.

Ray Allen

January 19, 2012

Dear Bonnie and family,
We send our deepest sympathy to you.
It's been many, many years since we shared the opposite ends of the same block of Loomis St. Those were wonderful times which I now remember with great affection.
Your husband served as our representative for many years when we lived in the south suburbs. Unfortunately, we didn't know him all that well personally, but we did know him by his actions.
I hope I speak for the 'old St. Bridget gang' in extending condolences.
Fondly,
Bob Niersbach and family

Bob Niersbach

January 19, 2012

My condolences to the family of Mr. Derwinski .He was a special man to the people of the United States.

John Kutyba

January 19, 2012

We were very saddened to hear of Ed's passing. Our sympathys go to Bonnie & family. We remember many of the good times we spent with him when he was in Congress & the many gatherings we attended along with some New Years Eve dinners. He was the best Congressmen Distict 4 ever had. We thank him for all the work he did in Congress & as the first Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. God Bless
Floyd & Suzanne Chapin (Naples, FL)

Floyd Chapin

January 19, 2012

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Derwinski. May your precious memories and the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort ease the pain of your grief.- Isiah 61:2.

Marilynn

January 19, 2012

To Bonnie and Family. My sincere condolences at this most difficult time. Peace to each of you now and always. Psalm 71:1-6

Rex J Ford

January 19, 2012

I knew Ed Derwinski in the middle 70's when I was the President of Indian Head Park, a small, but growing village in his district. He was very helpful to us in many ways. We are especially grateful for his work with the Bi-Centenial Committee. We extend our sympathy to his wife and family.

JEROME E. CIHAK

January 19, 2012

Dear Derwinski Family - I am so sad to learn this news. What a wonderful man he was. I was honored to work for him and to call him my friend. God Bless you all. Lisa Walker Hart

Lisa Hart

January 19, 2012

Congressman Derwinski was instrumental in convincing the US State Department to make public the fact that President Truman awarded the " Legion of Merit" to The great Serbian General Draza Mihailovic,Americas devout ally during the second world war. General Mihailovic and the Serbian people were betrayed by the allies. Congressman Derwinski's actions will never be forgotten by American Serbs. May he rest in peace. Thank You Ccongressman Derwinski

Ilija Katich

January 19, 2012

Dear Bonny,
I was very sad to hear of the passing of your dear husband. I have fond memories of the two of you from our time working together at Joseph Gawler's Sons. I will certainly remember you both at Mass. God give him eternal rest.
Richard Deptula

Richard Deptula

January 19, 2012

Wyrazy wspólczucia dla calej rodziny sp. Edwarda Derwinski,Wieczne odpoczywanie racz mu dac panie, niech odpoczywa w pokoju, Amen. od Zwiazku Podhalan w Pólnocnej Ameryce-Anna Zalinska.

Anna Zalinska

January 19, 2012

Thanks Ed for being a family friend and serving the United States of America.

The Mario Zarantonello Family

Mike Zarantonello

January 18, 2012

A great man, remembered with gratitude for all he did for this country, but also remembered for his wonderful laugh that brightened every room he entered. My most sincere sympathies Bonnie and the entire family.

V. Mann

January 18, 2012

To the the family of Edward Derwinski - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.

January 18, 2012

JANUARY 18,2012
YOUR CLASSMATES FROM 1944 MT.CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL ARE PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN YOU. REST IN PEACE,ED.
BARD BROWN CRETE,ILLINOIS

BARDON BROWN

January 18, 2012

You helped all of us Disabled Veterans, and we all owe you a bit of gratitude. God Bless You always...

AG

January 18, 2012

TO THE FAMILY,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME.PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT DANIEL 12;2.AW.HOUSTON,TX.

January 18, 2012

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