Eugene I. Pavalon, 87, died on May 26, 2020, in Chicago of natural causes. He was born in Chicago on January 5, 1933, to Ben Pavalon and Anna "Weininger" Pavalon. He lived a full life as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Eugene graduated from Von Steuben High School in 1950 and went on to University of Illinois at Navy Pier. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1956. Immediately after law school, Eugene served in the United States Air Force as a JAG officer. He loved the Air Force and would have remained, but family responsibilities brought him back to Chicago. Leaving the Air Force had a silver lining, as soon after he returned to Chicago he met the love of his life, Lois Frenzel. They were married on January 15, 1961. Eugene's legal career began in labor law, but he soon found a passion in representing those harmed by faulty products or substandard medical care. He became an active leader in the fight for justice for consumers and patients. His leadership positions included: President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association in 1980-81, President of the American Trial Lawyers Association in 1987-1988, and President of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice in 1993-94. Throughout his over 40 years in the legal field, Eugene received many awards, too numerous to list, and was a member emeritus of the Inner Circle of Trial Lawyers, a group that is comprised of the top 100 trial lawyers in the country. In his quest to empower consumers, Eugene authored the book Human Rights and Health Care Law in 1979 and co-authored the book Your Medical Rights in 1990. He also made numerous television and radio appearances, where he advocated for greater consumer protections, as well as greater self-advocacy for patients. Eugene was a proud supporter of Jewish causes and Israel. He was also an ardent supporter of social justice and to the end was confident and hopeful that his country would right itself in the next election cycle. He also loved boating and fishing and classical music. He was an avid weight lifter, starting from the time he was in The Little Gentlemen Workout Club in high school, until just a few weeks before his passing. He had a lifetime love of dogs, beginning with his childhood dog Snowball, who served in World War 2, and nature, which he imparted to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Lois Pavalon nee Frenzel; his daughter Betsy (Barry) Levin, his son Bruce (Laura) Pavalon, and his daughter Lynn (Scott Phillips) Pavalon. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Zachary Levin, Michael Levin, Isaac Pavalon, Ana Pavalon, Rayne Phillips and Finley Phillips and his step granddaughter, Hailey Phillips. He is pre-deceased by his brother, Paul Pavalon. A private service will be held. Contributions may be made to the Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-644-8338; anticruelty.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on May 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Pavalon

11 Entries

Keith Davidson

June 29, 2020

I came to know Gene Pavalon, before I became a lawye, while he worked for many years in the law firm of my father, Louis G. Davidson, and I had occasion to work with him later on bar association matters and on one of his cases. I subscribe to the high praise that has been posthumously expressed about Gene's abilities as a trial lawyer and his leadership in the efforts of the trial bar to protect the rights of the injured. But what stands out most to me, in my memories of Gene, is his integrity, decency, humaneness - qualities that do not always accompany success and that sometimes are diminished in striving to achieve it, not least in the rough and tumble of major litigation. Gene eschewed self-aggradizement, and disdained the artificial kinds of it. He earned the respect and esteem that others had for him - legacy that should inspire his colleagues in the legal profession and that his family can rightly be proud of.

Sue, Jan and Perry Chattler

June 8, 2020

My mom, Miki Weininger Chattler, loved her first cousin, Gene Pavalon, and especially his mother, my Great Aunt Ana. Your beautiful smiles will always be remembered.
Loving thoughts to Lois, Betsy, Bruce and sweet Lynn , first cousins once removed, Sue, Jan and Perry Chattler

Bernard Fine

Planted Trees

B arry J. Nace

June 3, 2020

A lot of things can be said about Gene: smart, kind, helpful, and a darn good guy. I met Gene through ATLA and he was always willing to talk and explain when I had a question. I always looked to him for good advice. All trial attorneys owe him thanks for his work. Thank you, Gene.

Robyn Farrow

Planted Trees

Stephan Blandin

Planted Trees

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Jessica Lee

Sent Flowers

Bob Habush

May 31, 2020

ha family lost a loving husband.father and grandfather.The legal community lost a giant protector of consumers injured by malpractice and defective products. And abused dogs.His friends lost a loyal friend.I counted myself as one of them.Bob Habush Milwaukee.

Bernice Sikanartey

May 29, 2020

The first time I met Mr. Eugene Pavalon was at his humble and beautiful house. I helped to take care of his granddaughter Rayne Phillips. He welcomed me to his home and accepted me as a family. A very nice and generous man. May he rest in peace.

Gerald Luckman

May 29, 2020

Lois, I was 3 years older than Gene and my brother, Marvin. Remember the good 'ole' days at Von Steuben and the neighborhood. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.