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Obituaries

  • July 6, 2017 | People
    Harry Culbertson Armstrong 1932-2017

    Harry Culbertson Armstrong, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Meridian Village Retirement Community in Glen Carbon, Illinois. He was born on January 19, 1932, in Delavan, Illinois, the son of the late Benjamin Pearl and Marie Armstrong (Meeker).

    Harry attended Delavan High School, graduating in 1949. He obtained his B.S. in commerce and law at the University of Illinois in 1953, and thereafter obtained his J.D. from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1955. Harry was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1955. He served his country as a J.A.G. officer in the Air Force in Korea in the late 50's. He then moved to Edwardsville, where he entered into the practice of law with James L. Reed, and became a partner of Reed, Armstrong and Gorman for the rest of his 55-year career. He retired in 2011. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, a former president of the Madison County Bar Association, and a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He likely set the record for the most jury trials tried to verdict in Illinois.

  • June 30, 2017 | People
    Hon. Marjan Staniec 1914-2017

    Hon. Marjan Staniec, Cook County associate judge, passed away in January 2017. He was a resident of Norridge, Illinois at the time of passing.

    Hon. Staniec earned his bachelor of law in 1941, his masters of laws in 1942, and his J.D. in 1957 from Catholic University of American in Washington, D.C.

    He worked as an administrator for the U.S. Social Security Administration. Later, he was a columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Your Social Security in Chicago Tribute, and co-producer and host of Social Security Tele-Line. From 1965-1968, he was the assistant regional director of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. He was an associate judge for the Illinois Circuit Court, Cook County, from 1968-1976 and an adjunct professor of law at Loyola University from 1986-1987.

  • June 27, 2017 | People
    Richard Biondi 1948-2017

    Richard John Biondi, born in Highland Park, IL on February 12, 1948, beloved son of the late Eldo and Laura (Romitti) Biondi. Preceded in death by his older brother, Joseph Molendi (Joyce). Richard is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda (Higgins) Biondi, and four children, Daniel (Tara) Biondi; Michael (Amy) Biondi, Elizabeth (Jonathan Steele) and Kathleen (Daniel) Platt. His greatest joys were his four grandchildren: Carlin, Mallory, and Brooke Biondi, and Lennox Platt. He was the dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.

    Richard attended Northwestern University as an Evans Scholar, graduating with a degree in history. After serving in the Marine Reserves, he earned his JD from Northwestern Law School and began his legal career with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Richard enjoyed a long and successful career as an attorney in private practice. He leaves behind many friends, relatives and colleagues who are united by their love and respect. He will be remembered most for his kindness, honor and wonderful sense of humor.

    His work with the Lake Forest Counsel of the Knights of Columbus was instrumental in reviving a vibrant philanthropic organization through St. Mary’s parish. Richard will be missed by all who were blessed to know him, to love him, to work with him, and to be helped by him over the years.

  • June 27, 2017 | People
    Ross E. Canerbury 1942-2017

    Ross Erskine Canterbury, 75, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his family, at 7:07 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017.

    Born on February 24, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dr. John Ross Canterbury, M.D., and Audrey Bunting Canterbury, the family moved to Peoria, where Ross attended Whittier Grade School and Peoria High School. Ross attended college at Yale University, where he was President of Zeta Psi fraternity and graduated with honors. He then continued his education at Yale Law School, where he was active in Scroll and Key, as well as many volunteer roles.

    Upon graduation from law school, Ross commenced practice with the Chicago law firm of Isham, Lincoln and Beale. Thereafter, he became a partner in the Peoria firm of Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll and Keller, where he practiced for 45 years. He concentrated his practice in labor relations and employment law, where he was a respected confidant and advisor to many businesses, municipalities and corporations, including Caterpillar.

    Ross generously gave of his time in his specialized field as a lecturer. For many years, he was rated as a preeminent attorney by Martindale Hubbell, the highest classification by America's most respected evaluator of attorneys. As an AV-rated attorney, he was recognized as having both the highest professional integrity and ability in his profession.

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  • June 27, 2017 | People
    Gerald Walters 1947-2017

    Gerald "Jerry" R. Walters, 70, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

    He was born on May 16, 1947, in Granite City, Illinois, the son of the late Gerald G. and Joyce O. (Johnson) Walters.

    Jerry worked as an attorney for over 40 years in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. He served as a member of the board for the Illinois Lawyers' Assistance Program for 30 years, including president. In 2017, he received the Joseph R. Bartylak Achievement Award for his lifetime contributions to the organization.

    After graduating from Granite City High School, he attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1969. Jerry then completed his first year at the University of Illinois College of Law. Then, from 1970 to 1972, Jerry served in the U.S. Army in South Korea, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Upon his return from Korea, he finished his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1974.

    Jerry enjoyed being active and was passionate about many activities such as racquetball, water-skiing and weightlifting. He won a gold medal in the 2008 St. Louis Senior Olympics and holds a record in the bench press. He was also a member of the Alton Masonic Lodge since 2003.

  • June 23, 2017 | People
    Nathan Diamond-Falk 1950-2017

    Nathan Diamond-Falk, 67, of New Buffalo, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 14. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he lived most of his life in Evanston, Illinois, where he raised his two children with his wife, Judi. Nate was a passionate father, husband, and lawyer. As a criminal defense attorney, he advocated vehemently for those who were usually let down by the justice system. He also found joy as an adjunct trial professor and coach of the trial team at Northwestern Law School. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Judi; his adoring children; his proud parents, James and Audrey Falk of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts; and his loving sister Deborah Augarten (née Falk) of Scarsdale, New York.

  • June 14, 2017 | People
    Barry Locke 1947-2017

    Barry Locke passed away at his home in Oak Park, IL on June 9 at the age of 69 after a seven month battle with brain cancer.  Barry is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Mildred (Rudman) Locke.  Barry is survived by his loving wife Terry, daughters Alison (Mark) Segal, Melissa (Craig) Schulte, stepdaughter Elizabeth Anders, niece Magen Rooney and grandchildren Eric, Austin, Samantha, Bradford and Jessica.

    Barry was born and raised in Philadelphia graduating from Temple University.  He worked in the apparel and computer industries until 1991 when he graduated from John Marshall Law School.  Since then he practiced law in Chicago and served as President of the West Suburban Bar Association.

    A graveside service will be held at Montefiore Cemetery in Jenkintown, PA.

    Barry asked that donations be made to the Family Assistance Fund of Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute.  He saw many people struggle to get to and from treatments and to afford treatment.  He was blessed and asks that his friends and family help those in need.  http://foundation.nmh.org/nbtipaf

  • June 14, 2017 | People
    John Brechin 1948-2017

    John Brechin, 69, of Lombard. Loving father of Jason (Megan) Brechin, Randy (Christi Heneghan) Brechin, and Jeannine (Darin) Wright; devoted grandfather of Nathan, Lily, Charlotte, Olivia, & Amelie; fond brother of Helen, Pauline, the late Paul, Wendell, Alice, and Donald; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Graduate of Northwestern University, Class of 1970 and Graduate of Loyola University Law School, Class of 1975.

    Visitation Thursday, June 15, 3-9PM at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd. (3 blks. So. of Roosevelt Rd) Lombard. Funeral Friday 11:15 AM from the funeral home to St. Alexander's Church, 300 S Cornell Ave, Villa Park. Mass 12:00 PM. Interment private. Memorials to St. Alexander's Catholic Church are appreciated.

    Funeral info: www.knollcrest.net or 630-932-1500.

  • May 19, 2017 | People
    Thomas J. Knitter 1930-2017

    Thomas J. Knitter, 86, of Northbrook, IL passed away on April 19, 2017. Served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. During his career, Tom was a former special agent for the U.S. Treasury, a prosecutor for the Illinois and United States Attorney General's Office and an attorney at law for the Cook County Public Defender's Office. 

  • May 19, 2017 | People
    John J. O'Malley 1960-2017

    John J. O'Malley passed away suddenly and is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Cynthia (nee Salazar). Loving father to Jonathan, Mark, Jennifer Daly, & Joseph Daly; loving Papa to his "Honey Bunnies," Abigail Farias and Madelyn Daly; preceded in death by his devoted parents, Austin and Rosetta (nee Rich); beloved brother of Mark, Patrick (Donna), and the late Michael (Mary); fond brother-in-law to Victoria (David ) Mackowiak, late Robert, Michael and Manuel Salazar; cherished nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

    John was a long time criminal defense attorney in Cook County and was generous with his time and expertise to help those in need of counsel. He will be missed by all.  Visitation Wednesday, May 3rd at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 653 W. 37th Street, Chicago, from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm Mass of Christian burial. INT. St. Mary Cemetery. (773)927-6424. www.pomierskifuneralhome.com