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Edward Derwinski
Edward Derwinski
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Edward Derwinski Obituary
Derwinski died Sunday of cancer, his family said. He will be buried this weekend at Arlington National Cemetery.
Derwinski's congressional career began in 1959 after he had served a single term in the Illinois House, and those who knew him say he knew his district inside and out and was liked by his fellow Republicans and Democrats alike.
"He was somebody that was well-grounded in his principles and his patriotism but brought a gritty, Chicagoland get-it-done feel to his work," Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, a Republican, told the Chicago Tribune.
Derwinski held his U.S. House seat until losing a primary race in 1982 after the boundaries of his district were redrawn.
He then spent six years at the State Department, risi ng to the post of undersecretary for national security affairs, before President George H. W. Bush picked him in 1989 to head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which had just been elevated to Cabinet status. His three-year tenure proved rocky.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, for instance, passed a resolution calling for his resignation. The group's commander accused Derwinski of displaying "contempt" for veterans. He was also booed by members of the American Legion at an event.
The issues that triggered their anger included proposals to admit poor non-veterans to two underused VA hospitals and to eliminate smoking at the hospitals.
Derwinski was among the troops that occupied Japan at the end of World War II, and after returning to civilian life he took over the family's saving and loan, helping it grow dramatically. He served on the board of an Oak Park bank until his death.
His daughter, Maureen Quattrocki, said that when her father was in office, he especially enjoyed returning to Chicago to speak at schools or attend public ceremonies that allowed him to mingle with members of his district.
"I really believe he was happiest talking to people and making speeches," she said. "He had the right joke for the right event. Everyone was laughing. He loved that."
Derwinski is also survived by his wife, Bonnie; a son, Michael; a stepdaughter, Maggie Hickey; a stepson, Kevin Hickey; a sister, Bernadette Ferrara; and seven grandchildren.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
45 Entries
December 21, 2012
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
Richard Benson
May 15, 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.
January 27, 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
Georgie Fessett
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.
How you can show support
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.
Helen Altieri
January 25, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
George Albrecht USMA '69
January 22, 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.
Ronald S. and Marianne Grzybowski
January 22, 2012
My deepest sympathies to you Bonnie and your family. Sorry for your loss.
M Frank Manta
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
Toby Padgett
January 21, 2012
This US Navy WAVES Veteran salutes you, Sir, and thanks you for your service to our great country.
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.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
January 21, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR PRAYERS,LOVE,&CONDOLENCES TO THE DERWINSKI FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. DERWINSKI.
Murray Barr
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.
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 20, 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.
Patricia Martino
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
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.
Lynn Divine-Choate
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.
Verne Jervis
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.
Helene Grzybowski-Sampson
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.
Linda
January 20, 2012
With deepest sympathy in your loss. May the peace of God that excels all thoughts be with you.
January 19, 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...
Wiliam J. Galle
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.
January 19, 2012
Ed was the last GOOD congressman our district had and a great American. God be with the family.
John Ormsby
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
David Barr
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
Donald Sheetz
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
Ray Allen
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.
Bob Niersbach
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
John Kutyba
January 19, 2012
My condolences to the family of Mr. Derwinski .He was a special man to the people of the United States.
Floyd Chapin
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)
Marilynn
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.
Rex J Ford
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
JEROME E. CIHAK
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.
Lisa Hart
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
Ilija Katich
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
Richard Deptula
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
Anna Zalinska
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.
Mike Zarantonello
January 18, 2012
Thanks Ed for being a family friend and serving the United States of America.
The Mario Zarantonello Family
V. Mann
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.
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.
BARDON BROWN
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
AG
January 18, 2012
You helped all of us Disabled Veterans, and we all owe you a bit of gratitude. God Bless You always...
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.
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