Paul Kalinich 1932-2021
Paul Theodore Kalinich, 88, passed away March 19, 2021, after spending the past week surrounded by his children, Kelley, Kevin (Gail), Kyle (Alicia) and Kraig (Monaka), and engaging in enthusiastic discussions with his seven grandchildren, Adam, Alexandra, Chaney, Tyler, Lauryn, Grange and Grayson. Displaying his hearty, warm smile, he observed the Glenbard West Football 2021 "Unfinished Business" Hitter shirt on a grandson, and, Paul's last words to his youngest grandsons, as they left their beloved "Dedushka" for the final time, was loving encouragement to "Finish Your Business!" He leaves a beautiful legacy of family, faith and community.
Born September 29, 1932, in Villa Park, Illinois, 10+ years younger than brothers, Edwin and Alexander, to immigrants Tedor Kalinic (Raduc, Croatia) and Ana (Vidovic) Kalinic (Kostanjevica na Krki, Slovenia). Paul matriculated from Glenbard High School (the only "Glenbard" at the time), and became the first in his family to attend college. In May 2018, the "First Generation Scholarship" was established at Glenbard West in his honor.
Recruited to play football at Cornell University (1955 A.B./1957 J.D.), Paul worked his way through college by living/working at the Ithaca, New York, Fire Station and mining minerals in Colorado. He also coached football at Cornell while in law school.
Paul's legal career ranged from Glen Ellyn Village Attorney, counsel for various corporate, real estate, trusts & estates, and litigation work, to winning a case at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2007. But most characteristically, he provided pro bono legal assistance to not-for-profits such as Bridge Communities and incorporating DuPage PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), and represented people who needed help and could not afford to pay. One of his final "legal" actions was to joyfully officiate at the wedding of his son, Kraig, and daughter-in-law, Monaka, in 2017.
Over the years, he coached numerous Glen Ellyn youth sports teams, served on civic organizations and committees, and enjoyed golf, bridge, reading, ski trips, bike riding, travel (took his entire family to Croatia, his ancestral "Homeland") and family picnics at DuPage County forest preserves. Paul was a 60-year member of The First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, including 40+ years of teaching Sunday School, study groups, committee participation and serving as a PADS volunteer for over 25 years. Many people's lives were bettered from Paul's life of service to others -- he was selfless, generous, hard-working, and always positive.
"Papo K/Grandpa Paul" lived a life of the mind with a thirst for greater knowledge and wisdom – academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual. He was happy to talk to anyone regarding any subject and could often be found reading a book on a park bench, having weekly lunch with his Glenbard buddies, or enjoying a local community outdoor concert. Mostly, he was just a good guy: compassionate, loving and engaging – asking questions and (sometimes) listening. Paul will be missed by all those who received his love, guidance, knowledge, kindness, encouragement, legal representation, moral support, hilarious stories, and friendship during his 88 years. We are all better for knowing him.
Services will be in Fall 2021. Memorials in Paul Kalinich's name may be made to: DuPage PADS, 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187, (630) 682-3846. https://dupagepads.org/solutions/honor-memory-holiday-gift/