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Alan Greiman

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Illinois

* Press release…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Hon. Alan Joel Greiman, former circuit court judge and chief justice of the Illinois Appellate Court.

“Judge Greiman dedicated much of his life to serving the people of Illinois, as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, as a circuit court judge and chief justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. I had the opportunity to argue before him at the appellate court, and his commitment to justice and equality informs the work my office does to protect the rights of all Illinois residents.

“Judge Greiman was an advocate for women, sponsoring the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and as a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which my office is even now fighting to ensure is recognized as our 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. All that he accomplished was done while garnering the respect of those fortunate enough to serve with him – or argue before him.

“The state of Illinois has lost a true public servant. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, former State Rep. Julie Hamos, his beloved daughters and grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing.”

* His obituary…

Hon. Alan Joel Greiman, brilliant jurist, impactful legislator, lifelong Chicagoan, and bon vivant died peacefully at home at age 90. Although his body gave out, his positive spirit and zest for life were with him until the end. He was the devoted son of Maurice and Natalie Greiman and was preceded in death by his first wife Carole (Lanoff). His love of chocolate, a good cigar, ’40s music, cabaret, and political discourse were surpassed only by his deep love for his wife Julie Hamos, his daughters and their spouses (Laurie Greiman and Peter Walton, Lori and Rich Coyle, Judy Greiman and David Knishkowy, Jodi and Michael Moran, Tami Friedman, Bunny and Stu Evans), his grandchildren (Jonathan and Pam Walton, Cara Walton and Lance Machado, Shira Knishkowy and Ben Gaffin, Maya Evans and Brian Strelko , Dan Knishkowy and Chrissy Ziegler, Madi and Adam Dooley, Carly Evans and Nate Knorek), and his great grandchildren (Rowan and Sylvie Walton). Individually and collectively they filled him with joy, and he showered them with his love, wisdom, and humor.

He devoted his career to equality and justice and was an advocate, a lawyer, a legislator and Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives. His time in the legislature was marked by his wily ability to get his progressive agenda enacted while building unusual coalitions. He sponsored the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, as well as legislation granting no-fault divorce and the right to public employee collective bargaining, prohibiting the sale of handguns, banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, protecting newsrooms from unreasonable searches, and was the first in the nation to propose a ban on discrimination based on age. He was an ardent sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment and had the stories to tell about why Illinois failed to pass it.

He was also a Circuit Court Judge and Chief Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. As a judge, he instituted a celebrated mediation program and other innovations that resulted in speedier resolutions of cases. His wit, his humor, and his big heart made him friends and allies on all sides of all aisles for accomplishing great things for the people of Illinois.

He was a big guy with an equally big passion for life, his family, the law, travel, his countless friends and good food. We will miss him deeply.

Service Thursday 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Interment Westlawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Illini Hillel, 503 E John St., Champaign, IL 61820, www.illinihillel.org.

To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com

Judge Greiman was a friend to many, including myself. “Bon vivant” is a great description of him. RIP, Alan. You were one of a kind.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 1:33 pm

Comments

Very sad news! Big Al was a character and exactly what you’d hope for in a public servant. Deepest condolences to Julie and family.

Comment by Blue in Texas Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 1:47 pm
oh, such sad news. condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 2:16 pm
A great guy with the wit and edge of a political sportsman. He did a lot of good things in those crazy changing days at the Capitol.

Comment by Joe Schmoe Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 3:11 pm
Judge Greinman was a good friend of my father, who died just a few weeks ago. It’s nice to think Dad has an old friend to keep him company in the great beyond.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 3:20 pm
Forgive the typo above; Greiman*

Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 3:46 pm
I was scrolling down the blog, reading about current political activity, and when I saw an entry labeled just “Alan Greiman” my heart just sank. What a guy! Love to Julie and all who cared for him.

Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 3:51 pm
I went to Springfield as an advocate for the very 1st time in my late teens/early 20’s, knees shaking and hands trembling, as I testified at a Housing committee in favor of a bill requiring landlords to pay interest on tenants’ damage deposits. Al Greiman chaired that committee. I’ll never forget his kindness in listening to and asking questions of this very nervous kid. RIP Al. May his memory be a blessing.

Comment by Cosgrove Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 4:17 pm
The past few years presented growing health challenges for him, but watching Julie with Al has been a lesson in true love, devotion and partnership.

Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Tuesday, Feb 15, 22 @ 8:30 pm
when i was a freshman house member alan taught so much i’ will never forget his kindness & guidise for a new member ! condolences to julie !!!

Comment by James A. DeLeo Wednesday, Feb 16, 22 @ 12:42 pm