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Irv Kupcinet Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Irv Kupcinet
Noel Summer
December 10, 2003
I miss you wholeheartedly, Irv.
Love ya,
Noel Summer
David Condon
November 27, 2003
Irv Kupcinet was one of a kind. My
father David Condon wrote for the
Tribune for 30 years. He always told me that the first coluumn he checked in the morning was Kup. He told me that Kup said more in the first paragraph then some writers said in their entire coulumn. It will take me quite a while to stop turning to the page where Kup's column was, still expecting to see it. God Bless you Kup.30__
Alan Werner
November 22, 2003
While Chicago has changed much since I left in 1971, Irv Kupcinet has been one of the few institutions that only got better with age. He was a longtime friend of my dearly departed uncle Sherm Abrams. As a child growing up on the Southside, I started reading Kup's Column in the Sun Times. While it has been over 30 years since I lived in the Windy City, many of my images of Chicago were shaped by what he wrote in the newspaper. Through the internet I had recently reconnected with his writings. He will be greatly missed. Chicago and the world has lost a true legend. My condolences to his entire family!!!!
Frances M. Johnson
November 20, 2003
We will miss you. You were one of a kind. You will always -----------Remain in our hearts and mind.-----Chicago is a better place because -You passed this way. Thank you Kup for leaving it better. Sleep well. You contributed to the city's vitality, we will always love you For leaving us something to build on. We will make it better. We promise you that. That is our commitment, as we say, goodbye for the last time.
Tunisia Tucker
November 20, 2003
When I first saw Irv on television for the first time, my heart was pounding. And I was just about 8 or 9 years old back then. Irv was a funny guy. I read him almost everyday, I couldn't stop laughing and reading. I'll miss this great legend of ours. Irv, you're in my prayers, my friend and thanks.
Edwin Black
November 19, 2003
Every journalist in Chicago carries warm memories of Kup. I have my own stories--several. He exemplified and embodied the best traditions of Chicago's golden journalist era. A great man, our city will NEVER see the likes of him again. Bye Kup.
Linda McBride
November 19, 2003
Kup was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed.
Rochelle Levin
November 19, 2003
I am a 75 year old woman, and have always read ONLY the Chicago Sun, or then the Sun-Times. My day couldn't get started until I read Kup's Column. He will be sorely missed by all his fans. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jack Karwales
November 18, 2003
Condolences to Irv's family.
Ex Harrison High School Football Player,
Mike Gerber
November 17, 2003
Although, I moved away from Chicago in 1975, I still have family and friends there. When I was a teenager in the 1960's, my mother and I would love watch Kup on the tube.
I, myself, enjoyed Kup's column in the Sun-Times. I have the chills knowing that he has past, simular when Mayor Richard J. died.What wonderful Chicagons that were. I truly loved them because I had a strong connection to them. I'm also a Chicagoen,as well. God Bless You, Kup. I'll always miss you and cry for you. Mike Gerber (Senn High Grad.'68)
Nina Gaspich
November 17, 2003
I had the good fortune to be a member of the Variety Club of Chicago during the 1990's when Kup was one of its most active supporters. I saw first-hand the results of his philanthropy towards sick, disabled and needy children. He was truly a great civic treasure; an all-around great guy and a real "mensch!"
susan aaron
November 17, 2003
My late father, Dr. Manuel L. Stillerman had a warm and cordial relationship with the Kupcinet family for many years. Dad always supported Kup's annual veteran's cruise. Kup chronicled an extraordinary era in Chicago, for which he will always be fondly remembered. My husband Lawrence,
joins me in extending our sincere
condolences to the Kupcinet family. Susan S. Aaron
Mel Davis
November 15, 2003
Dear Jerry, Suzi, and Family: Our prayers, thoughts, and deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Your father was always kind enough to mention myself and associates in his column's when we opened Harry's Cafe in the 70's. But do you think Irv ever forgave me for the years we spent together at Bradley? How fortunate it is to have such a loving father and mother. May God bless you all. Regards, Mel, Christan, and Kristen Davis, Boca Raton, Florida
Richard N. Aleskow
November 15, 2003
When I was a boy I got to know the Kupcinets when we all lived in the same building. I used to play with Cookie. As time went on, Kup followed my career and frequently mentioned my accomplishments in broadcasting and public relations. He was never too busy to just say hello or give you encouragement in what you were doing. By any standard, Kup was a great human being and with the power of the pen that he had, he always made one feel good. He will always be remembered as a mentor and great gentleman.
Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow
November 15, 2003
From the beginning of my television career in Chicago, Kup supported my efforts and my work. When I built WYCC-TV Channel 20, a PBS affiliate and became Chicago's first female television General Manager, Kup celebrated my achievements with loyalty and support. He always included my work in his column. When I left Channel 20 to return to academia, he published a wonderful good-bye message about my work.
What is most important, is that with his power Kup was only kind and gracious and considerate. His standard of news is one to which other columnists and journalists can only aspire. He was a golden soul, a first rate human being. He will be missed and always remembered.
Barbara Sanders
November 15, 2003
I grew up in Chicago reading Kup's Column, really learning to read from Kup's and Ann Landers' columns. I learned many things, from how to treat you family, friends and lovers to famous places in the city like the Billy Goat Bar and The Sage East from them.
I receive the e-mail edition of the Sun-Times and the first column I read is Kup's. I will miss him and the love we shared for the "Greatest City in the World - Chicago".
Rest in Peace, Kup.
Donna
November 14, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Irv Kupcinet. He will greatly be missed. I enjoyed reading his column for many years.
God Bless.
ERNIE DE CIANNI
November 14, 2003
I worked with Kup in the Composing Room during the 60's and 70's. He was great person to work with. He will be missed.
RAY/CAROLYN COX
November 14, 2003
YOU TRULY WILL BE MISSED. LOVED YOUR COLUMNS AND YOUR TV SHOWS YEARS AGO.
DIANA BASS
November 13, 2003
I WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE FAMILY THAT I'AM SO SORRY FOR THERE LOSE.KUP WAS A GREAT MAN AND LOVED HIS WORK .SO MAY KUP REST IN PEACE.
Richard Nolan
November 13, 2003
As a child growing up in Chicago I used to watch Kup's Show on Sat. Night every Sat. Night. I did not realize it at the time, but it was a real talk show. What is on T.V. these day's don't hold a candle to Kup, and his "Lively Art Of Conversation". Anybody who was Anybody, and who happened to be in the city at the time was on their. The talk might start out as Politic's, then go on to Sport's or maybe anything. It was alway's eclectic, never boring! My sympathy to his Family, and to all of us. We lost another one of the Good Guy's.
Max Kohn
November 13, 2003
I've been reading Kup's column for so many years I can't imagine what it will be like without it. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and coworkers. All of you are in my prayers. God bless you all.
Mike Bryant
November 13, 2003
He was a Legend of Much Greatness in Chicago...and Therefore, in the World! And though I am Thousands of Miles away From Home (La Valette, France..where I work in Animation), I STILL keep Chicago & ALL things Chi-Town in my Heart!
Mike Royko, Gene Siskel, Walter Payton...I sure hope ya Got a Spot at th' Table Reserved for Kup on his Arrival at the Pearly Gates!
Lori Darden
November 13, 2003
I have lived in Dallas for two years, but always tried to keep up with Kup on line every day. I lived in Chicago for twenty years and never missed a column by this great man. To his family, my love and sympathy to you. To Stella Foster, your tribute was heart tugging, and very well written. I am sure Kup is smiling down on you and saying "That's my girl".
November 13, 2003
God rest your soul, Kup. My sympathy goes out to your family. I send this message also on behalf of the late Lucy Nunes, longtime Chicago publicist, who was a great fan of Kup and Essie. I know Lucy would want me to pay her respects. Take care.
Margaret Carroll
Chicago Tribune retiree
Robert Soto
November 13, 2003
The first time I had seen Irv Kupcinet was on the 4th fl. elevator of the Chicago Sun-Times building. I had just gotten a job there in the public relations office. It was October 10, 1977. I had recognized him from his photo that was posted every day next to his column which was a must read for me. I felt a bit intimidated standing next to Mr. Chicago himself. My mind was soon put at ease when he looked at me and said "hi". "your new here are'nt you?" I said yes and he welcomed me. We talked often through the eight and one half years that I was with the Sun-Times. Soon after I started volunteering to work "Kup's Purple Heart Cruise". I remember most that there was always a smile from him, always a "hello". He always found the time to acknowledge me, acknowledge others. One day I had seen Kup at the Billy Goat tavern. It was my last day at the Sun-Times. I told him that I was leaving to become a Chicago Police Officer. He shook my hand, congratulated me and told me what a noble job I decided to take on. He bought me a beer and raised his glass to mine. "To you" he said. " Thank you". No Kup, thank you.
Al & Gail Wilhelm
November 13, 2003
Irv, you were an original and will never be duplicated. We feel very honored to have enjoyed your talent for so many years.
Mary & John Resendiz
November 13, 2003
Even if it is said a million times, It is worth saying again. We'll miss you Kup. That nice smile and always a kind word. It rained all day in Mesa yesterday. They were the tears of transplanted Chicagoans and snowbirds.
Deborah May
November 13, 2003
The Pearly Gates swing open. Jack Brickhouse is broadcasting the Heavenly World Series. He glances over - "Hey hey, is that you Kup?!" Kup smiles - "That's right, Jack."
Vanessa Brownlee
November 13, 2003
You were loved and read by many. Chicago will truly miss you.
May you rest well and continued to be loved by those past and present.
Sharon Gold
November 13, 2003
I knew Kup and his family since I was a little girl. I remember babysitting for Kari, his granddaughter, when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I last saw him in mid-September in front of the Hancock building and he was as sweet and kind to me as ever, with nothing but well-wishes for me and for my Mom, Judy. We have nothing but the fondest of memories of Kup and the City of Chicago has definitely lost one of its most memorable icons. We will truly miss you Kup!
ANGELO NICELLI
November 12, 2003
KUDOS TO KUP,OUR LEADER AT THE LUNCHEON ROUND TABLE OF LIFE. SHALOM AND GOD BLESS YOU.
ANGELO
kudos to Kup,our leader atour luncheon round tableof life.You willbe greatly missed.shalom and God bless. Angelo
JOHN LEE JACOBS
November 12, 2003
I grew up in suburban Chicago; later
moved back to Chicago to live (after
my family moved out of state). I
always enjoyed KUP'S Column. Years
later, I moved out-of-state. One of the things that was Chicago that I missed was KUP.
When I found out several years ago that KUP was on-line, I accessed it. I looked forward to his column & was sorry it went from 5 days a week (as it deserved) to just two
times.
I will miss his excellent column. Perhaps his family will someday
compile all 60 Years worth of KUP's Columns & make a coffee table-size book for those who enjoyed him. I certainly would want a copy.
My condolences to his family & his two great-grandchildren.
WALTER TENCLINGER
November 12, 2003
When God writes His final column, Kup will be next to Him to advise ! Peace be with you and to your family at this difficult time.
The BRISKIN FAMILY
November 12, 2003
REST IN PEACE -- We all knew you well and respected you so much. You meant so much to the City of Chicago. Loved seeing and talking with you at Fritzel's and the Pump Room. Or a night at Ravinia!
Gene Warren
November 12, 2003
As a young man coming to Chicago in 1973 at the age of 17,from rural South Carolina, There were a lot of things to be in awe of in this great city.I can remember that I liked the sun times because it was in book form and easiser to read than the tribune, so it became my paper of choice. Searching thorugh those pages I almost by accident came across the column,near the obituary section,I started reading the article that early fall day and could not believe that (30)years later that Kup"s column would be the first thing I read, I would be a little dissapointed then he would take that long vacation at the end of each year I will miss MR.Chicago I never met him but he took me to places that I could only dream I"d go.
Micki Reece (Reich)
November 12, 2003
I had the pleasure of knowing Kup at many events and truly looked forward to his column daily. I think of Chicago and I think of Kup's column. I grew up reading Kup's column. May you rest you peace Kup.
Norbert Schmaus
November 12, 2003
I have always admired Kup from afar and appreciated what he did each year for hospitalized veterans.
Marylou Boyd
November 12, 2003
Dear Kupcinet Family,
Thanks for sharing your father with the rest of Chicago. His column was the first thing I would read. It will be truly missed.
MARK YUP
November 12, 2003
DAVID SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS but i'm here for you
Lynda McCann
November 12, 2003
His greatest strength was his sense of compassion and humanity towards everyone he met. Listening and reading the coverage of his passing, one gets the sense that this was a man who worked at the top of his intelligence and refused to pander to the lowest common denominator. He was friend to people of every station and walk of life and that quality endeared him to us. As an expatriate Chicagoan I always felt reconnected when reading his column. He was truly a man for all seasons from the greatest city. Shalom, Mr. Kupcinet!
Stuart Baer
November 12, 2003
A long time friend of the Schneider family going back to the early forty's
Rest in peace.
(Mrs) Carol S. Kohn
November 12, 2003
About 30 years ago and when I was still single, I was a special unpaid assistant to the late Officer Vic at WMAQ-AM and often when Kup was doing his show at the WMAQ-TV studios, he would see me workng on something for Vic in Vic's office on a weekday morning when I wasn't at my own regular job that wasn't in the downtown area of Chicago. Kup would stop and say "Hi" to me and introduce the celebrity that was with him prior to the taping and it was always a thrill to be so lucky of a person who could chat with celebrities and Kup each time. Quite frankly, meeting those many celebrities is now just an everyday thing to me since they're people just like me.
I will miss Kup very much as he was always nice to me. May God's wonderful blessings be with all of you at this time of sorrow
Robin Robinson
November 12, 2003
I had met Kup when I was a child in the mid seventies in the elevator with my mother. I was like wow the man in the paper mom and he said hello and laughed. My mom knew Bill Braden who worked at the Suntimes at that time. Kup reminded me of old school Chicago and that will be missed.
Nancy Gdowski
November 12, 2003
Reading Kup's Column was so much a part of growing up in Chicago! I will never forget the Kup cups given to guests on his television shows.
He was a kind and giving gentleman!
Nancy Gdowski
Rockford, Illinois
Greg May
November 12, 2003
Raised in Park Ridge, and on the Bears on WGN. The joy of listening, 40 years ago, to those quintessential homers, Brickhouse and Kupcinet, do the radio games. No home games on TV. I can hear Kup now - "That's right, Jack."
Laura Day
November 12, 2003
Dear Kup,
Thanks for having the pulse of
Chicago in the palm of your hand.
With respect,
Laura Day
Donna Miller
November 12, 2003
I feel as though one of my own family members has gone home to rest. As a lifelong Chicagoan, like many others, I grew up reading Kup's column - he always knew the "juice" on celebs and the Windy City's infamous political parties. On Monday, as I left my job at the IBM building and looked across the street to the Sun-Times building, a deep feeling of sorrow embraced me - you see, our beloved Kup was gone. It's a very sad time in our city and we will miss Kup tremendously. As your friend, the late Bob Hope would say, "thanks for the memories."
Cisco Veras & Family
November 12, 2003
Rest Well Pal you were great.
God Bless
Leamond Allen
November 12, 2003
Kup, thanks for all you did.
Rest Well,
Leamond Anthony Allen
Julie Grskovich
November 12, 2003
God bless you Irv. I loved your column's and news broadcasts since I can remember.
Patricia Blair
November 12, 2003
We will miss you Mr. Chicago. It was nice having with us all these years. Our Prayers are wih your family.
Bob Reynolds
November 12, 2003
Chicago has lost a legend with the passing of Irv Kupcinet. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kupcinet family, Sun-Times staff and the people of Chicago. Kup was truly "Mr. Chicago".
Doug Holland
November 12, 2003
My late grandfather, Arthur M. Holland, was the first ever guest on Kup's fledgling TV show. At that time, nobody really knew that he would become one of Chicago's and national media's legendary giants.
Shalom, Mr. Kupcinet. G-D bless you and your family.
Doug
Sharon Murphy
November 12, 2003
You will be missed. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
PAM KOUIMELIS
November 12, 2003
MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO JERRY, KERRI, DAVID AND THEIR FAMILIES. I HAD THE GREAT HONOR OF KNOWING KUP AND HOW SPECIAL HE WOULD MAKE ME FEEL WHEN HE WOULD MAKE HIS WAY ACROSS A RESTAURANT TO SAY HELLO TO ME AND GIVE ME ONE OF HIS STRONG HUGS. HE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL SPECIAL. AND TO SEE HIM WITH HIS LOVELY ESSIE AND HOW MUCH THEY LOVED EACH OTHER WAS AN HONOR TO BEHOLD.
I COULD NOT ATTEND THE FUNERAL THIS MORNING BECAUSE I FELT THAT I WOULD MAKE A FOOL OF MYSELF BY NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL MY TEARS. AND I WAS RIGHT. WATCHING IT ON TV IN MY LIVING ROOM I CRIED THRU THE WHOLE SERVICE. EVERYONE HAD SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS GREAT MAN THAT I WISH THAT ALL OF HUMANITY COULD TAKE A LIFE LESSON FROM KUP. EVEN AS A CHILD AND I WOULD STAY UP TO WATCH AT RANDOM I WOULD THINK WHAT A NICE MAN I USE TO LOVE TO WATCH THE SHOW AND HIS CHATS WITH HIS GUESTS I WOULD FEEL LIKE I WAS RIGHT THERE WITH THEM. CHICAGO WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT THIS WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. THE KINDNESS THAT WAS IN HIS EYES WILL MAKE THIS CITY DIMMER BY NOT HAVING THEM THERE TO SHINE ON US ANYMORE. BUT HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH HIS BELOVED ESSIE AND COOKIE AND ALL HIS WONDERFUL FRIENDS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE HIM AND I BET THAT BOB HOPE IS GETTING A GOLF GAME TOGETHER RIGHT NOW. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO DURING THIS GREAT LOSS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
SINCERELY,
PAM KOUIMELIS
TOBY WEINSHENKER.BG USA RET
November 12, 2003
THE WORLD HAS LOST A MAN WHO EPITOMISED THE WORD FRIEND. I'M PROUD AND WAS BLESSED TO SHARE CHICAGO WITH HIM.
Darlene Mackey
November 12, 2003
Rest In Peace.
Shalom
Dave Eifert
November 12, 2003
The most gracious of the" big pens" of Chicago has been stilled,these people are impossible to replace.Learn to live each day as if it were your last.Some day it will be.Safe journey Kup; Fire Chaplain D.Eifert Collier County Fl.
Lance Ciepiela
November 12, 2003
One evening, back in the '50s, my Pop told me we were going downtown to see someone special! He took me to the TV Studios, we walked into the lobby, and there, in person, was my hero, Richard Boone, all decked out in his Palatine, Have Gun, Will Travel, outfit, shaking hands with his fans. Standing next to Mr. Boone was Irv, all full of smiles, greeting all the guests! Whow! what a happy kid that night to meet Kup and my hero up close! Thanks again, Kup, May the Good Lord Bless Your Soul!
JAMES COLBERT
November 12, 2003
REST IN PEACE PAL! WE will miss you!
Marvin Hyndman
November 12, 2003
You started many of my mornings with knowlege and wit.You were a man among men. Like today I am cloudy but just like you a ray of sun will come soon. Rest in peace pal.
James McClendon
November 12, 2003
I was a 20 year old Viet-Nam veteran during the the summer of 68" when Kup and the former Sen. Charles Percy offered to help pay a $1,000.00 plus phone bill that I had rung up overseas. My family and I at the time were living in the Robert Taylor projects and there was no way that we could afford to pay this bill, but we managed to over time. Over the years I was often asked what did I talk about with my sisters and it was the same conversation,I love you, stay out of trouble and help MaMa out. Thanks Kup for your compassion and the many columns that I have enjoyed over the years. God Bless.
Susan Boockmeier
November 12, 2003
I grew up reading his column and watching him on T.V. He was a legend! He was the best!
My sincere condolences go out to the family.
Stewart Berger
November 12, 2003
My thoughts are also with the Kupcinet family at this time. My grandfather was Russ Stewart, the Chicago Times editor who helped Kup start his column in the early 40s. I've followed in the "family business" of the media, writing and reading news on the radio in Los Angeles, and I'm happy to say that "people news" is among my favorite to do.
I admire how Kup wrote about not just celebrities, but people from all walks of life, and he wrote about them in an entertaining and generous way--and with respect, a quality that seems to be lacking in a good deal of celebrity journalism these days; such are the changing times, though they need not change for the worse, as this man continued to prove. Kup showed that there's a story--a good story--behind every person, at least one story and probably many more, and I believe that reading and knowing the stories he wrote helped show us how connected we are.
Sherry Stewart
November 12, 2003
To Jerry, the family, and Kup's legion of friends. To all those whose lives are now changed forever by Kup's absence, I offer my deepest sympathy.
To Kup I would simply say, thank you. Thank you for being such a good friend and so important to our family for so many years.
In 1935 you had just become a sports writer for the old Chicago Times. In 1936 my father, Russ Stewart, was traveling the country from coast to coast as a publicist for Metro Goldwyn Mayer. He and my mother, Phyllis, happened to be in Chicago when they discovered that I was on the way. They decided on the spot to stop traveling and locate in one place to raise their family. And the spot was Chicago. Dad went to work for the Times and the rest, as they say, is history.
When the time came to create a world class celebrity column in the Times, Dad chose you. I remember being told that he saw something special in you and your genuine way with people...even then. So the guy from MGM with all his Hollywood connections and the sports writer with his knack for being 'real' hit the town...night after night. Soon, you were the one with the all the celebrity connections and choice tickets to the hottest shows. I remember one time when I was 16 or 17 you gave my dad a pair of tickets to an SRO theater performance. Dad couldn't go and gave them to me. My beau and I were greatly surprised and more than a little embarrassed to find ourselves sitting front row center.
But it wasn't all glitter and glam. When my precious brother, Scott, died suddenly at 21, it was you, Kup, who gave the eulogy. Only 2 years later, when your precious Cookie died suddenly at 22, it was Russ who gave the eulogy.
You, dear Kup, have marked all the major milestones of my life in your column. My marriage, the birth of each of my 3 children, my brother's passing, and eventually the deaths of my father and later my mother. I have the clippings to prove it. Thank you for that.
They say in the newspapers that you are "gone." Maybe so, but under my bed is a large metal blanket box jammed with hundreds of our family photos from the 50's and 60's. The old fashioned kind, 8X10, taken with the big flash cameras of that era. All developed, no doubt, at the Sun-Times. There you are. You must be in at least a third of them, always with a warm smile and a twinkle in your eye.
Dear Kup, you will always be a part of our lives and my history, though I haven't see you in probably 35 years...proof that Love is never diminished by time or geography. Shalom
Sherry Stewart
108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia
[email protected] et
Steve Karb
November 12, 2003
Class, Pure Class. Rest well Mr. Kupcinet. The story of your life is really inspiration to everyone. Thanks
Rick Stenquist
November 12, 2003
It's hard to imagine Chicago without Kup. I grew up watching "At Random" and later "Kup's Show." Kup was truly gracious, generous and one-of-a-kind. One evening in 1970, as a very brash young man, I was escorting then-Sen. Charles Goodell of New York as we were leaving a fund-raiser at the Playboy Mansion for the Vietnam Moratorium Committee. Our schedule was tight and we had just barely enough time to get to O'Hare. Kup stopped us as we were leaving to chat up the Senator. After he had asked jus a few questions, I told Kup that we had a plane to catch and had to leave forthwith, and I gave Sen. Goodell a shove towards the door. My colleagues and the organizers of the fund-raiser were horrified that I would brush off someone as important as Kup, and agonized over what nasty things he would say the next day in the column. Ever the gentleman, Kup gave us a great write-up in the column the next day in spite of my youthful indiscretion, demonstrating once again what a truly classy guy he was. What a phenomenal man! Thank you, Kup, for great TV, a fine column, and years of service to innumerable causes and charities. My sincere condolences to the family; he will indeed be truly missed.
Mark DeCarlo
November 12, 2003
I left Chicago right after high school to attend UCLA, perform comedy, and help start The Second City out in Los Angeles.
Yet everytime I came home, or had a new show, Mr. Kupcinent was the first one to 'give me a plug.' And no matter how long it's been, and how many shows I've done, it never stopped giving me a kick seeing my name in his column.
Another gentleman leaves the world, though the world is far better for having him in it.
Thanks Kup, for making the lively art of conversation so lively, for so long.
mark decarlo, los angeles, CA
Angela Rocco DeCarlo
November 12, 2003
Condolences to the Kupcinet family and Kup's legion of friends & colleagues in Chicago & around the country. Kup's passing leaves a space in Chicago's journalistic community that can't be filled. He was unique.
John Powers' Guest Book tribute captured Kup's qualities of professionalism, graciousness & generosity so well.
Blessed with a long & successful career as a communicator Kup relished his role to entertain, inform, assist, inspire & support those who sought him out. And there were those who needed to but could not & so he sought them.
Though the DeCarlo family has "lived in exile" in Southern California since the 1980s we remain Chicagoans.
Kup was someone who helped keep Chicago close for us by his kindess and generosity. Always willing to lend support. We appreciated his work, together with the wonderful Stella. He'll be greatly missed by many.
)
Mike Warren
November 12, 2003
Farewell!
Fellow Harrison Hornet
God Bless
Barry Olesker
November 12, 2003
My Grandfather Sam Mendelson said his claim to fame was he attended school with Irv. he ended up working at the Chicago Tribune for about 40 years as a color engraver.
May your father/grandpa rest in peace.
Nicky Marcoux
November 11, 2003
I attended the Chicago Academy for the Arts for highschool as a fine arts majour, and a decade later I still think that all the effort I put into convincing my parents to send me there was worth it, as were all their financial sacrifices.
Irv and Essie Kupcinet were constant supporters of The Academy, and I really believe that the opportunity I had would not have been available without their total support of the school.
I was lucky enough to have a truly unique and very valuable educational experience that I would not trade for anything.
Thanks to the Kupcinet family for their support of a school that gave me so much.
Nicky M.
Sen. Howard Carroll
November 11, 2003
To Jerry, Kari and David.
We all pray that you will take comfort in the knowledge that your beloved father and grandfather was loved and admired by so many for so long because of his great heart and wonderful attitude.
As you know, I first met Kup and his beloved Essie (of blessed memory) when I was 6 and a camper at Uncle Joe's camp. Your folks and mine would stay at the caretakers cabin and we would sneak up there to each be with our families. Your beloved Kup and Essie never changed. Always fun and enjoyable and always helpful. In my public career no one was more gracious to me than Kup. We spoke about once a week when he wanted to catch up on what was happening in politics and Springfield,...always looking for a scoop... and always prefering something interesting and nice. Just 2 weeks ago he was so gracious to me in noting my receiving the first Ytzhak Rabin award.
I saw him last at lunch about 6 weeks ago and, as always, he first asked what was happening around town, looking for that piece for his column. No one exemplified Chicago more than he did. Again, we all hope that your wonderful memories will be a blessing for you now that he is with his beloved Essie.
Fondly, Howie Carroll
Jim Leon
November 11, 2003
Truly a legend has passed from us. As so many of us in this town did, we grew up reading Kup's column and began to see the "lively art of conversation" and how interesting it was from At Random and Kup's Show and who could ever forget Bears Football with Jack Brickhouse and those half time shows. I wonder how many times the "very wonderful Eli Schulman" sent up corned beef sandwiches to the booth. God what great memories Kup gave us.
Rest in peace with your beloved Essie and your beloved Cookie There are plenty of friends waiting for you there. And now, you can say, "Back to you Jack" and he'll be right there.
Roger Maye
November 11, 2003
Irv will be greatly missed. He was a treasure to the city of Chicago. I will truely miss him.
jimmy cohn
November 11, 2003
condolences to kup's family. truly if ernie is mr cub, kup is mr chicago. since i was a young boy, i read , watched and heard kup on tv, radio for the bears and read his column following in my father's footsteps. i miss chicago, my home of 40 years and chicago has lost an icon.
Deborah Ward
November 11, 2003
I will always remember the urgency to get the paper to read about what was new in Kup's world.
I recall being a teenager and staying up late to see who was on his show. I loved to watch his friends Carol Channing and Sammy Davis, Jr. laugh.
I will also remember his lovely Essee. In every photograph, Mrs. Kupcinet was stunning; beautifully attired and with her marvelous smile. What a fabulous couple they were and such an inspiration to all of us who believe in love enduring.
My only regret is that I never had the pleasure of meeting them in person; still, I feel that I knew them and that my town was blessed to have them for so many wonderful years. Oh, how they will be missed, truly missed.
Richard Reinauer
November 11, 2003
Kup was a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. When I was elected President of the Television Academy, he was first person to call and offer his help and advice. I was proud to call him a friend for over 50 years.
Dick Reinauer
Former Producer-Director
Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
Ted Heymann
November 11, 2003
Jerry,Kari,David
I had a long conversation with Kup just last week and was devastated to hear the news.He was so "up" and we talked about all of you and the babies,too
My very deepest sympathy. It is too soon after Essee.
Very sincerely,
Ted
Milka Stanojevich
November 11, 2003
Kup was many things, a man, a writer, a Chicagoan, a voice of criticism and praise and a individual who obviously cared about making a contribution. I read him for many years and he was instrumental in teaching me the beauty and value of words and their power. We have lost one of the best and one of the greats. We were blessed to have him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Louis Bonaldi
November 11, 2003
a regular guy who loved good food good people an good times .a regular at Toppers 333N Austin Blvd ,Toppers Beef&Bourbon an The Country place in wheeling.loyal to a fault never to bussy for a frend.he will be missed.respectfuly, a frend's son
Faye Grey
November 11, 2003
"Irving" or "Kup" is they way he liked to pronounce his name and was how I knew it to be associated with the friendly gentleman caller of the Sun-Times. I grew up reading Kup's column and had the pleasure of greeting him on occasion when he'd call my boss' office to chat with him. He was a one of a kind class act. My deepest condolences to the Kupcinet family.
Casey Ladowski
November 11, 2003
Irv, you were the best and you will be missed. It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you at the good old Sun Times for my 37 year carrer. It always gave me a big thrill when we happened to be dining at the same restaurant and as we passed each other and you would address me by name when I was with some other guests. They would say, " You know Kup? " Or the time I was giving a relative a tour at the paper and ran into you and you asked us to come into your office and sit and chat for awhile. And I will never forget the time that you put my name in your column as having celebrated my birthday. I knew that I really had arrived.
And at my retirement party when you stopped by and said, " Why are you retiring? Why your just a kid."
Kup, that's just the kind of guy that you were, never to big or important to take a minute to exchange a few words with anyone reguardless of their position in life. I will always treasure the old photograph I have hanging on my wall of Jack Brickhouse, Sherman Wolf,and you and I from one of the parties that we were at. You were the greatest and now you are reunited with Essie and Karen and I am sure that you will be busy talking to all your old friends up there in the heavens above.
Phil Greer
November 11, 2003
I worked at the Chicago Tribune for twenty four years as a staff photographer,chief photographer and director of photography.Kup worked at the Sun Times.Almost every morning one of the first things I did when I got to the Tribune was pick up the Sun Times to read Kup.He loved the city of Chicago and it's people. 30 Kup.
Steve Lasco
November 11, 2003
(originally Antioch IL, when it was a town not a suburb)
So long Kup. Tanks for teaching me about the lively art of conversation, long before I had a clue of what the hell you really meant. I learned more from you, Len O'Connor, and Royko than I did from the ham-fisted "teacher" I had in Lutheran grade school.
An institution passes and we are diminished. Sixty years on the beat and still working, still making the lunch dates. Go with God -- rest in peace with your beloved wife. Condolences to the family.
Nick Schiavone
November 11, 2003
I grew up reading "Kups" column. He was one of the best. There isn't anything else you can add to that,
He was one of the best...
Nick Schiavone of Bloomingdale, IL
Jimi Hendrix
November 11, 2003
Kup was the greatest at lots of things, maybe his column was just one of them. Growing up in Chicago especially as a young man back in early 70's was a lot more fun and infomative because of Kup's TV show.
I think if I recall it could go on for hours depending on the subject and the guests. No time limit just great discussions and a lot of information. I would sit with my buddies for hours on Sat night. It always resulted in great discussions and lots of debate.
I guess I have a special place for Kup ,in my heart,as well because his family grew on the West side just like my Dad's family. Both my Dad and Kup attentend Harrison High School. So even though I never met Kup I feel like I knew him in so many ways. My Dad and his family were quite proud of the fact that one of their own made it so big from the neighborhood.
Chicgo is better place for having "Kup" as such an important part of it's Heritage.
Karyn Lynn Dale
November 11, 2003
I sent this in to [email protected] early yesterday afternoon...
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fans of Irv Kupcinet. I had the great pleasure of meeting "Kup" a few years ago after I wrote to him. He greeted me with a warm, wonderful smile from behind his big desk. My heart melted instantly. Even then I could see the young, handsome, strong football player that Essee fell in love with! In front of his desk on a little table sat a picture of a beautiful blonde little girl. "That's my granddaughter, Kari," he said and his eyes lit up with pride and love. "She's getting married soon," he told me. "How wonderful..." I whispered knowing how much joy and healing her birth brought back to him after losing his beloved, "Cookie," Karyn. When I wrote to him, I told him that my father had picked the spelling of my name right out of his column in 1962. I wrote to him about my love of Theatre, and my return home to Chicago. He typed his reply to me himself on his old fashioned type writer. I cherish his note, his words. Meeting him was a very wonderful moment for me. I would have loved to have stayed and chatted with him all day, but I promised Stella that I wouldn’t. : ) Before I left his office I shyly asked, "May I give you a hug?" He nodded his head and I walked around to embrace him at his desk. "You let me know if there is ever anything that I can do for you," he said with such a gracious smile. I nodded returning his smile. And now I'd like to let him know what he can do for me... "Be well... just be well, dear Kup" with LOVE...
...Today, my heart aches in sorrow with all of Chicago, all of the world. Yet, it also opens in love... everlasting... Dear Kup is indeed well... in the company of Angels :)
Matt Zivich
November 11, 2003
I enjoyed watching his commentaries during the heyday of WBBM's 10 o'clock News. On certain occasions during the late 1970's, I began reading his column whenever my grandfather would buy a Sun-Times at a mini-mart just down the street from his house. There was always lots of great things he would often say about people and the celebration of life itself. For that reason plus many more mentioned by others, we will all miss Kup deeply. No question about it, he was one of the best writers--if not the best one around.
Vivian (Mrs. Bobby) Sherwood
November 11, 2003
Lots of us who knew Kup are calling each other today and sharing memories. We all remember the smile, how sweet and kind and gentle he was. You knew when you came to Chicago to open at the Chez or the Palmer House or wherever, you
could count on Kup and Essee. No visit was complete without breaking bread at Fritzel's or the Pump Room. Hearts are heavy and many tears have been shed out here. We'll never see the likes of him again. Good night, dear Kup ... sleep well.
DrJerry Field
November 11, 2003
Starting as a copy boy in Feb of 1953 when I returned from the Army this is a life long friendship, and many wonderful learning experiences. For all these many years up until this past Friday's lunch I enjoyed the privilage of knowing and working for Kup. There are 50 years of memories, 50 years of excitment and I was able to share this with my wife Joan, three daughters Eva, Sara and Hana, who always refered to "Uncle Irv". His graciousness and support is another quality that we will all carry with us for ever. I'll never be sure who was prouder of my doctorate (in education) Irv or myself.I am fortunate that I was able to say thank you many times over 50 years of knowing Kup.
Chicago Expatriate
November 11, 2003
He was called a Chicago institution...and rightfully so.
"Dat's right, Jack."
Bill Zach
November 11, 2003
Thanks for many good columns when I lived in Chicago and taught school there. I am now retired and live in Tucson AZ. But I had to say goodbye--hearing the sad news today.
George Spink
November 11, 2003
Goodbye, Kup! I'm glad you were among us for so many years, certainly all of my life and almost 30 years more.
My dad admired you when you played football. And I admired you when I read your Sun-Times columns and watched your late Saturday night TV show, "Open End," in the days when television was young.
When I became acquainted with Essee and you in the early 1980s (when I was assistant director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events during the Byrne years), I learned first-hand what a geniunely loving and wonderful couple you were.
I'm glad I knew you, Kup!
Vernon Johnson
November 11, 2003
Mr. Kupcinet was the embodiment of everything Chicago. He saw beyond color lines and was professional in every thing he did. He personified class to it's fullest from a bygone era where it was a then all too common and today all too forgotten. I will miss you dearly sir, for we as a world will be lighter one great spirit. Rest in peace.
Rob Bollinger
November 11, 2003
Irv Kupcinet played football here at the University of North Dakota in the 1930's, and he was a member of the UND Athletic Hall of Fame. He was one of our most famous and colorful alumni, and I had the great pleasure of meeting him and visiting with him in Chicago several times. He was a great man, and we are very proud to have him as one of our greatest alumni and former football players. He loved to talk about the Fighting Sioux. Irv was the starting quarterback for UND and he also served as the Sports Information Director...at the same time! He would go ahead of the team to cover the upcoming game and interview the opposing coach! He told so many great stories, and I will greatly miss visiting with him in the future. The UND Alumni Association and Foundation expresses our deep condolences to the Kupcinet family.
Vicky Kujawa
November 11, 2003
The Sun-Times and Chicago will never be the same without Kup. He was an approachable legend, always willing to lend a helping hand for a good cause. To say that he will be sorely missed is an understatement. Kup was the consummate reporter; he wrote with accuracy, and he stood up against injustice. Now he is reunited with his beloved Essee and Cookie. My condolences to the Kupcinet family.
Bill Coulson
November 11, 2003
Kup's greatness was underlined by his refusal to rip people and become mean-spirited in his column. He was always positive; when he did have a criticism it was stated respectfully, hopefully, and constructively. In today's world of 'gotcha' journalism, we shall all miss him. I will always treasure a phone message my secretary once wrote, asking me to call back a "Mr. Kup". He was simply the best; and his longevity speakes for itself! RIP Bill and Beth Coulson
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