Edward F. Palffy

Edward F. Palffy, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away on November 7, 2025, after a short
but valiant fight with cancer. He was born on October 5, 1935, in Osijek, Yugoslavia, to a
German speaking Danube Swabian family. Before the end of World War II, Eddy and his parents
became refugees and fled to Vienna, Austria, where he completed his education and earned his
master toolmaker designation.
In 1954, Eddy emigrated to the United States in search of a better life. After a brief stay in
Washington, D.C., he made Chicago his home. When he arrived in 1955, he found a welcoming
German immigrant community and quickly made many lifelong friends.
At age 21, Edward enlisted in the Army where he served several years both active and reserve.
In May 1961, he married Anne Walter, and together they raised three sons. The family lived in
Chicago and Niles before settling in Arlington Heights in 1984. Throughout his career, Edward
worked in tool making, mold making, design, and manufacturing, concluding his professional life
in 2000 as a manufacturing engineer for the Marconi Company.
Eddy was active in many organizations. A strong, deep base, he was always part of a choir-St.
Alphonsus, Schubert-Lyra, and the German-American Singers among them. Deeply devoted to
preserving his heritage, he was an active member of the Danube Swabian Society of Chicago
and The American Aid Society of German Descendants. He served many years as an officer
and later director of the Danube Swabian Foundation of the USA.
He is survived by his beloved wife and lifelong companion of 64 years, Anne (nee Walter), and
their sons Carl (Cindy), Fred, and Rob (Christina). He was a proud grandfather to Alexander
(Marisa), Karina (Devin), Natasha, Ella, and Payton, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and
nephews whom he cared for deeply.
He touched many lives through his kindness and generosity, his steadfast dedication to the
community, his quiet integrity, and the warmth of his voice and song.
Visitation
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home
8025 W. Golf Road, Niles, IL 60714
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church
8305 N. Harlem Ave, Niles, IL 60714
Interment to follow
Maryhill Cemetery
8600 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
The Society of Danube Swabians of Chicago
625 Seegers Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
https://www.donauchicago.com/
or
The American Aid Society of German Descendents
6540 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60631
https://www.americanaidsocietyofgd.org/