Edward (Eddie) Richard Francis Sitzman
August 2, 2003 - July 15, 2025
It is with shock and deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful son and brother, Eddie Sitzman. Eddie passed away suddenly, leaving behind his parents, Mark Sitzman and Cathy Morgan, his brother Coleman Sitzman, and countless friends and admirers.
Eddie entered this world as one of the chosen few with an extra 21st chromosome, known to all as Down syndrome, and his life has been a beautiful gift to all who know him. Eddie helped to pave the way for inclusive education in the Oak Park school districts, from elementary through high school. With the help and guidance of wonderful teachers, therapists, teaching assistants, and classmates, Eddie became a dedicated and engaged student, surpassing the expectations of even his biggest supporters. After graduating from high school and completing his post-high school transition program in Oak Park, he was accepted into Judson University’s RISE program, scheduled to start in August of 2025. He was excited to live on campus and enjoy the college experience. He planned to study Child Development so he could one day work as a preschool or kindergarten teacher's assistant. Through Ruby’s Rainbow, Eddie was granted the highest level scholarship for his dedication to community, leadership, positive representation of people with Down Syndrome, academic achievement, and extracurricular excellence.
It became obvious early on that Eddie was a natural athlete and fierce competitor. He earned 59 Special Olympics medals, including state-level success in track and field, unified soccer, basketball, golf, floor hockey, and powerlifting. He was also a Special Olympic Athlete leader, allowing him to promote Special Olympic programs and advocate inclusion for people with different abilities both in and out of the world of athletics.
Eddie’s work ethic and his community involvement were admired by all who knew him. He had a paid job at Play It Again Sports in Forest Park. Through his post-high school transition program, he volunteered weekly at the Oak Park Fire Department, Wonder Works Children’s Museum, and was a teacher’s assistant at Ascension preschool and the Children’s School Kindergarten class. Ascension parishioners will recognize Eddie for his 15-year dedication as an usher at 10:30 mass.
Eddie was aware that he had Down syndrome and was unabashedly proud of who he was. He believed that everyone has their own form of disability or challenge, and with the necessary assistance and determination, each person can become the best version of themselves. Eddie’s confidence allowed him to thrive in situations that most people would struggle to overcome. He channeled his confidence to become a leader in all aspects of his life, inspiring countless individuals of all ability levels.
We are eternally grateful to all of those who played a part in shaping Eddie into the incredible young man that he had become. Please continue to use Eddie as an example of how to empower others, and always keep him in your prayers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the wonderful organizations that provide Special Olympics training and programming for Eddie and all people with special needs:
West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) www.WSSRA.net
Northeast Dupage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) www.nedsra.org
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