Arthur Loevy Obituary

Loevy, Arthur

Arthur Loevy, a leader in the labor movement in Chicago and internationally, died peacefully with his family by his side on April 11, 2026. He was 87.

Arthur married the love of his life, Barbette (née Rothschild), with whom he raised a family and built a loving home over nearly 60 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Jon; daughters Karen (husband Russ) and Debra; grandchildren Carter, Ethan, Ezra, Ari, Oliver, Ellie Rose, and Asher; honorary grandchildren Anya and Simon; and his beloved nieces and nephews. Arthur was a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, father figure to many, colleague, mentor, and friend. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and his parents, Rose and Carl.

After graduating from Von Steuben High School on Chicago's North Side, Arthur attended Carleton College in Minnesota and the University of Michigan Law School. Raised by progressives, Arthur chose to use his law degree to advocate for workers and their families, beginning as a labor negotiator and in-house counsel for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Over three decades, he helped lead the union in its legislative and political mission and guided its growth through mergers with the Textile Workers Union of America, the United Shoe Workers, the United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers, and the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, ultimately forming UNITE, which continues today as a major force in labor organizing. Among his many roles in service of workers' rights, Arthur held office as the union's International Secretary-Treasurer, on the Executive Board of the Chicago Federation of Labor, as a board member for Amalgamated Bank, and as a trustee of the Textile Workers Pension Fund.

Arthur received numerous honors, raising his stature as a leader in the labor movement and bringing him additional opportunities to advance values he held dear. He represented the Harlem Globetrotters in their first contract negotiations with ownership, served as a nominating delegate for Paul Simon, chaired the Illinois Labor Network Against Apartheid, and worked with the NFL Players Association and the Illinois chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Upon retirement, Arthur embarked on an entire second career as a civil rights trial attorney for victims of wrongful convictions and police abuse, helping to build a law firm with his son Jon and his nephew Mike. Arthur was a fearsome advocate and negotiator, respected by both judges and opposing counsel. In over twenty years with the firm, he became a beloved mentor to two generations of attorneys who have followed in his footsteps.

The family celebrates Arthur's life, which he lived to the fullest and with no regrets. He was an intellectual with a sharp mind and deep curiosity about topics ranging from history and politics to literature and music. Arthur lived his principles and was still fighting for social justice until the day he died.

His funeral will take place at noon on Tuesday, April 14, at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Causes that were important to Arthur included civil rights, workers' rights, and literacy.

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