Alexander Fiedotjew 1951-2023
Beloved brother, colleague, and friend, Alexander Zbigniew Fiedotjew passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 71.
Alex was born in Chicago to Aleksander and Alice Fiedotjew on September 22, 1951. Alex attended St. Philomena Elementary School, and his first three years of high school were spent at Kelvyn Park H.S. in Chicago. He finished high school at Forest View H.S. in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where his parents bought a home in the late 1960's. Alex received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (University of Illinois at Chicago Circle at the time), an M.S. from DePaul University, and a Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School.
For 30 years, he was employed by the State of Illinois Department of Human Rights, retiring as Director of Contract Compliance Enforcement. Alex was a brilliant attorney, specializing in elder law, guardianship, estate administration, and general practice. He did extensive pro bono work for Polish immigrants in the Chicago region, and he was involved with the Advocates Society. Alex served as President of the National Advocates Society from August 2013-15, and he served as co-chair of Amicus Poloniae. Alex was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and he enjoyed a passion for the law and history, particularly Chicago history, the Great Lakes, and maritime life.
A kind and gentle soul, Alex was a marvelous conversationalist, and if you were fortunate enough to be in his presence, you knew of his exceptional mind, memory, wit, and appreciation of life's gifts and blessings. Alex had a great love of music, particularly classical and liturgical music. He enjoyed myriad opportunities over the years, performing with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, the Arlington Heights Municipal Band, and several church groups. Alex's many joys and achievements were experienced despite numerous health struggles, and all who knew Alex admired his great determination and inner strength.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents, and he is survived by his sister Teresa (Terry) and many friends.
In Alex's memory, donations may be made to Chicago Volunteer Legal Services.