In a career spanning more than half a century, esteemed labor lawyer Hugh B. Arnold (of Arnold and Kadjan, LLP) used his legal expertise, humor, charm and an outsized personality to advocate effectively for working people, while at the same time, earn the respect of the management lawyers he faced. He felt that everybody deserved the chance to make a good living, work hard, and to come home at the end of the day with something to show for it. He had the ability to relate to workers, solve problems, and create solutions that both management and labor could ratify.

He was passionate about the American labor movement, as well as his clients and their causes. Over time, he represented clients that included unions and their fringe benefit funds throughout Illinois for a wide variety of construction trades including: painters, glaziers, electricians, Teamsters, bricklayers, plumbers, patternmakers, masons, auto mechanics, food and commercial workers, and laborers, among others. He was the architect of the IBEW's International Family Medical Care Plan that has been adopted throughout the nation. He was involved in the litigation of many significant cases, including McDaniel vs. University of Chicago which was litigated in both the United States Supreme Court and United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and recognized an implied private right of action under the Davis-Bacon Act.

An honored labor lawyer and ardent family man, Hugh B. Arnold was a devoted husband and loving father. He is survived by his wife Sandra, five daughters {Susan Freel, Sharisse Rehring, Denise Fitz-Gibbon, Paige Farber, Andrea Gifford}, as well as 11 grandchildren. His booming presence and zest for life will truly be missed by all.

Services will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 12:00 p.m. at Chicago Sinai Congregation located at 15 West Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60610. In lieu of flowers, please honor Hugh B. Arnold by donating to the DePaul Law School Scholarship Fund at http://give.depaul.edu/hugh.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Arnold

19 Entries

February 23, 2021

Hugh B, your friendship will always be cherished. Floyd

John Deutsch

October 12, 2020

My name is John Deutsch, retired SVP from LaSalle National Bank, now part of Bank of America. I and my colleagues in the Trust Department had the pleasure of assisting many of Hugh’s clients with both trust and banking services. Over a 20 year period I got to know Hugh personally. He was a terrific raconteur; he regaled me with baseball stories, his military career where he “briefly” applied to paratrooper jump schools, his arguments before the US Supreme Court. He worked hard for his clients, and he was a very tough negotiator.

I am sad to learn, belatedly, of his passing.

Shirley Rozner

March 12, 2020

Dear Sandy,
As you know, I was the first secretary for Arnold & Kadjan. Just the 3 of us in the office approximately 1962. Working for them left an indelible mark and many memories.
I sincerely learned a lot from both of them.
Am extending my sincere condolences to you.
May his soul rest in peace and be with the angels.

March 5, 2020

Admiration, Respect and Honor to our dearest friend Hugh.
You will ever be in our Hearts.
Carmen O'Brien and Son
Anthony Ricco.

Helen & Lee Knowles

March 4, 2020

We offer our heartfelt regrets to Sandra and to all of her family upon the loss of their beloved Hugh.

He was a strong and exemplary attorney at law.

May God grant his soul eternal rest in heaven.

Bryan Flannery

March 3, 2020

Hugh was the BEST at what he did! He will be sadly missed. A fair and honorable man.

Rest in Peace.

Bryan Flannery

March 3, 2020

Hugh was the best at what he does! A king and compassionate man. Rest In Peace friend!

Daniel Burke

March 3, 2020

Though demanding, Hugh was a not only a mentor but a true friend you could count upon. When I worked for him 53 years ago, I heard the constant refrain: I gave you the job, figure it out because if you do not, I will have to. While in Law school needing a full time job, I unsuccessfully applied at USF&G...after telling Hugh, he replied: I'll take care of it He called the Claim Superintendent and I was hired. I have never forgotten life's lesson from this great man:...don't give up...figure it out. A true mentor and friend. Daniel Burke

Terry Fitzmaurice

March 2, 2020

I am heartsick that I could not arrange a flight back from Florida in time for the memorial service. It is as if I lost a big brother. Someone who always looked out for me the entire time I was in office and thereafter as well. My deepest condolences to his entire extended family. Your best friend forever. Terry Fitzmaurice

March 2, 2020

Dear Sandy,
My sincere condolences for the passing of Hugh, although we did not agree on some things, I always considered him a true friend. I along with many will miss his presence.
Floyd

Paul & Marilyn Kayman

March 2, 2020

May you find comfort in memories of this great man.

Laurie Pawlicki

March 1, 2020

We send our sincere sympathy to your entire family. Hugh helped so many people throughout his life with an impact that will be felt for many years to come.

March 1, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

John Daniels

March 1, 2020

Hugh was a skilled and honorable attorney and an occasional opponent. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Marilyn Krafthefer

February 29, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We are sorry we cannot be with you at this time, but will see you soon. Sending prayers your way. Love, Kerry and Marilyn

Richard Tamborski

February 28, 2020

Never once when I was with him did I not learn something, whether it be in law or life. I will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy to your beautiful family.

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