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Mel Jiganti Obituary
A Saint Ignatius College Prep and University of Notre Dame alumni, Mel became an Illinois state court judge at 30, serving in each division of the circuit court and for 19 years as an Appellate Court Justice. A past President of the Illinois Judges Association, he influenced a generation of lawyers with his even temperament and intellectual rigor. He leaves a legacy of judicial opinions that are the law today.
Mel was a ferocious, and sometimes talented, competitor in all sports including golf, handball, tennis, running and skiing. He and Mary Ann traveled to more than 55 countries in every exotic corner of the earth including Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and Mali. A passionate opera lover, he relished decades of Lyric performances. A voracious reader, he enjoyed intellectual pursuits and dense books. He was known for his independence of thought and early feminism.
At his center, Mel was a family man who adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children Therese (Jack) Stewart and their children Jeanine Stewart, Carly (Andrew) Schrage, Lia (Trevor) Head; Mark (Veronica) and their children Michael (Julie), Elise (Colin Lopez); Jeanine (Brian McManus) and their children Dan, Nick and Mel McManus; John (Suzanne) and their children Zach, Max (Bronte), Kyle; Paul (Carol) and their children Regina, Julie, Jayne; and many great-grandchildren. He practiced his parenting skills at a young age on his beloved younger brother Jack, with whom he remained exceptionally close over their lifetime. In addition, he will be missed by his sister-in-law Dorothy Jiganti and in-laws Dan and Dorothy Fusco.
The family is forever grateful for the love and caring of his companion Rosemary James. After a lifetime of friendship and travel with their spouses, the two spent the last 10 years caring for each other.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am February 26 at Church of the Holy Family, 1080 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, reception immediately follows.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Ilaria Jiganti-Lopez Memorial Scholarship www.alumni.luc.edu/ilariajiganti-lopez or Saint Ignatius College Prep https://invest.ignatius.org/support/how-to-donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mel Jiganti
judge Gloria Coco, Ret.
February 11, 2025
Justice Jiganti was a revered member of the Judiciary, a mentor, friend, and greatly respected colleague in the legal community
Richard F Novak
February 11, 2023
I miss Mel. We had such a good time on and off the golf course for many years here in Florida. An unforgettable part of our lives.
susan brenn
September 16, 2022
Not sure if judge Jiganti was his fathers namesake or he himself; as I was as a young girl and a ward of the state at the time. He took me aside (pre hearing) and personally counseled me about my truancy charges and what my future might hold. I am forever indebted to this great man and judge for taking the time to care about a 15 year old girl and the sad problems that led her to even be there in the first place. I am now a successful ret senior citizen and will never forget the kindness shown to me by this man at the time. God bless him, his family and those who loved him. It is people like he that made this world a better place. I will never forget him and truly mourn his loss!
Peggy Peck Radakovitz
February 25, 2022
My condolences to Jack and Dorothy and the entire family in your loss.
Paul Kayman
February 20, 2022
I remember Mel fondly. When I was an Assistant State's Attorney at Juvenile Court, I recall picking up one of the judge's sons from another location and bringing him to his father's courtroom. I remember the joy on the judge's face as if it were yesterday.
I wish nothing but the best in the future for the judge's loved ones.
My deepest sympathy,
Paul Kayman
Anthony & Sandra Valentino
February 19, 2022
Our condolences to the family. Dick´s wife, Mary Ann, was our cousin.
Lester
February 19, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to the family
Richard F. Novak MD
February 18, 2022
Sorry for the family loss. We had such good times on the golf course together for many years here in Naples, Florida. After golf there were always interesting discussions about miscellaneous topics, controversies, family, and events of the day. He usually drove me to the golf course as we listened to his latest discovery from a not so well known opera. His knowledge of operas was amazing. I have missed him the past year and will always remember Mel and his unique golf swing. Wish I could attend the ceremony at the church we both remembered fondly from high school. From Naples, Florida, Dick and Rose Novak.
Gloria G. Coco
February 17, 2022
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Justice Jiganti.
A great man, lawyer, Judge, and Justice, who was also a treasured mentor to so many
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