Peter Gidwitz Obituary

Peter E. Gidwitz, 67, of Chicago died peacefully June 5. Born in Chicago January 13, 1950, he is survived by his siblings: Ron (Christina Kemper), Jim (Kathy), Nancy (Jeff Grossman), Tom (Gail Davidson); children: Jay (Stephanie Issa), Lauren, and Marjorie (David Ferguson); his ex-wife Melissa Moe; many nieces and nephews; and two stepchildren, Tatjana Belle Dukker and Sara Dukker. He was preceded in death by his parents Jane B. and Gerald G. Gidwitz and ex-wife Jackie Dukker. Peter graduated from the Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CN, and Brown University, Providence, RI. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a reserve medic. After a short stint at the Harris Bank, Peter rose to chairman of the Burnham Management Company. He was active on many non-profits and governmental agencies, including as chairman, Illinois Development Finance Board; life member, Access Living; Mt. Sinai Hospital; and the MS Society. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Access Living and the MS Society. Services are private.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Gidwitz

10 Entries

Gershon (Gordy) Wolf

June 1, 2024

Back at HPHS from 1964-66, we nicknamed Peter Gidwitz 'Giddy.' Although he would laugh at a good joke, Peter was a serious, sincere guy -- anything but 'giddy.' ~ Gershon (Gordy) Wolf

Gordon (Gershon) Wolf

August 29, 2022

I knew 'Giddy' as we called him at Highland Park High School, freshman and sophomore years, before he went to Hotchkiss junior year. We were pretty good friends. I remember his good nature and his dry, incredibly funny wit. I was really upset when I heard he was going to Hotchkiss. Incredibly naive at the time, I didn't understand that families like the Gidwitz' wanted to ensure that Peter got an Ivy League Education. At any rate, rest in peace, Peter.

Sherylin Freeland-McCrady

June 1, 2022

I came to know Mr. Gidwitz some years ago when I was hired as his secretary at Burnham Mgt. Comp. I had never been a secretary and Mr. Gidwitz had to suffer for all of my little mistakes. Finally, he decided I should no longer work for him and I received a pink slip. Upon my departure I met with him and he gave me the best advice in my life; "You should return to Gary, In and since you like politics get involved with it". Thanks Peter, as a result, I was on staff of a United States Congressman for 9 years and a personal assistant to an Indiana Governor for 12 years. Again Thank you Peter in Heaven. Picture: Sherylin Freeland, Former Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher and friend, Thelma Davis.

Sherylin Mccrady

February 14, 2022

I worked for Peter at Burhnam Development as a secretary. When I hired in I knew nothing relative to being a secretary. However he attempted to help and work with me. He was kind, and had patience. I thank him for recognizing my abilities when he fired me and set me down and told me to go and pursue my goals and stated, you like politics go and work in that area. He said I brought a piano but can't play it. Know our limitations. Thank you Peter. As a result I became employed with a united States congressman and 2 Indiana Governor's. I'm sad I'm just now seeing this. Rest in peace Mr. Gidwitz.

Melinda Jakovich

September 28, 2017

I consider myself lucky to say that I met Peter. When he looked at you you felt he could look right right through you You also sensed , that he was a very good man and you were lucky to be able share that very moment in time. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Melinda

July 24, 2017

Although I never met Peter personally, I am compelled to leave this comment.... Why? Because one of his devoted friends has spoken so highly of Peter and I feel the great loss he has suffered with Peter's passing. We are all here on planet earth for only a short time during which we chose the way we live and consequently the impact and influence we will leave behind. We are all connected and Peter has generously touched the hearts and minds of many people. Now that he is gone, it is our responsibility to carry on his his positive inspiration to influence others for the betterment of this world. For that reason, I am writing to join all of you and say that we must continue to support those we love by reflecting the beauty they left behind. I am sorry for your loss, and I believe Peter's spirit will live on through each of you.
Susan Helmich

Edward Hennessey

July 13, 2017

Intelligent. A proud dad. Diligent businessman. Sincere. Unpretentious. Never unkind. These qualities begin on the larger picture of a man unafraid to follow himself.

Peter had a broad and thinking feel for art. He admired technical flare, charged by the singular capacity for conversion to a piece with the vivid power to express a bold--and often unexpected--argument. That his children perpetuate this appreciation speaks to his encouraging nurture. Nature was another wellspring for my friend. We often discussed ingenious mechanisms, startling behaviors or new species from ongoing scientific researches. Mention of a word like "microscope" could send us off on a tolling phone bill, weaving a childhood experience into the chronicle of a recent Eureka moment in some Cretaceous quarry, all the while with my wishing him there.

Folk wondering if nothing was sacred didn't see Peter lark. No one could accuse him of stuffily posing for marble posterity. He was gifted with a vital joie de vivre which mayhaps gained impetus from a college reading about Jupiter laughing for seven days after his birth. A good joke that readily took the author for a subject. A subtle aside. A crackling pun. All were grist to lift him beyond the hour in congenial company sharing his joy in a world so rich for amusing review. How easily our banter relieved a peacocking folly or deflated glum tidings by simple agency of a quip. How often our merriment and careening wordplay would jar common sense from a once puzzling incongruity, engendering worthwhile reflections before we said goodbye for the night but not to the buoyant spirits of the occasion. You always left an evening with Peter feeling better than when you arrived.

When concerns arose, Peter was no missing person. Friendships frequently fade or fail. Time, diverging paths or Leonine expectations do that. We were friends approaching half a century. Our tie wasn't built to break on some fragile standard of precious perfection. Ready amendment and renewal always surpassed hitch, hiatus and mileage. We were having too much fun not to want more. Though it went unsaid, we each knew that any tractable extremity landing on one of us better be prepared for all from both. Peter's integrity made life meaningful for people besides himself.

Peter also had MS. Yet it did not crumble him. With the love of his kith and kin and the support of his aides, Peter shouldered infirmity as well as anyone I've met. No one unseats MS. But by his fortitude, Peter's character outshone it.

My full condolences go to the Gidwitz family, knowing their profound relation must deepen the loss of Peter. I only hope their long store of memories yields greater solace with unfolding time.

So, Peter Edward Gidwitz, now you know what people say when you leave the room, then realizing how much smaller it is with you too soon away. I am all thanks for the utmost pleasure of collecting your complete first edition.

And I will never forget you.

Michael King

June 9, 2017

My deepest sympathy
Mike King

Sue Wallen

June 7, 2017

My deepest condolences to Jay, Lauren, and Marjorie, as well as the whole Gidwitz family. I mourn the loss of a man who's great intellect, wit, charm, and sense of humor will forever be in my heart and soul.

Bill Harris

June 7, 2017

Peter and I were "prep" school buddies in the '60's. We did some weird science experiments. I almost was electrocuted in his basement. I'm sorry we lost touch. RIP.
Bill Harris

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