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David Baitman Obituary

Baitman, David Aaron 60, of Oak Forest, entered into the house of the Lord on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Loving, devoted, and cherished father of Tiffany (Sebastian) Zaba, and Brittany (Pepe Apablaza) Baitman; proud grampy of Maximilian Amadeus Zaba; devoted son of Jacob and Gladys (nee Nebel); dear brother of Clay Baitman and Candy (Randy) Hansen; fond uncle of David (Heather), Jeremy (Kelly), and the predeceased Austin. Doting owner of Ditka-Jean and Jinxie. Loyal and faithful husband. He leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Respected by many friends and colleagues. David was a graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School in 1970, where he was class Valedictorian and voted "Most Outstanding Senior," member of NHS, and enjoyed playing baseball, wrestling, cross-country, and hockey. He graduated from UIC in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors Distinction in Mathematics. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate in 1981 from John Marshall Law School. After spending seven years with the Oak Lawn Police Department, David went on to join the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Six years later, he joined the Cook County Public Defender's Office, retiring in 2010. Throughout his thirty-five years of combined experience within the Cook County Criminal Justice System, David volunteered with the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Women Everywhere-Partners in Service Project, and organized mock-trials for schoolchildren to educate them on the Criminal Justice System. David spent ten years serving as Municipal Administrative Hearing Officer and was chair of the Fire and Police Commission for the City of Oak Forest. Since 2002, David was an adjunct faculty member at Moraine Valley Community College, and in 2008 joined Kaplan University as an adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice and Constitutional Law. For David, every day was filled with multiple jobs, volunteer work, community service, and helping others, but what he cherished most at the end of the day was spending quiet moments at home with his family, his pets, tending to the plants in his garden, taking a long bike ride, then throwing a good steak on the grill. A Memorial Service celebrating David's life will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 W. 159th Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. The family welcomes the many people that were touched by David's kind heart and soul to share in the celebration of his life. Arrangements made by Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Homes. 708-857-7878 www.sheehyfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Baitman

Sponsored by Tiffany (Baitman) Zaba.

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eileen frazier

July 19, 2020

Dave was my boss at the pd's office. he was the best boss i ever had--kind, helpful, understanding. i had tremendous respect for him as a lawyer but more importantly--as a person. still think of him many years later. I am grateful to have known him.

Dee Runaas

February 9, 2017

Dave - you will always be remembered as a friend and caring person - time will not change that - we miss you and all you did for CRFC

Michele

February 8, 2017

Missing your kindness, generosity and friendship today more than ever.

Tiffany Baitman

January 26, 2014

Missing you everyday until we meet again, Dad. The legacy you left behind is strong and is with me always.

Barbara

June 28, 2013

You will be remembered for your sensitive caring personality.

Virginia (NIN) Wilhelm

August 29, 2012

August 29, 2012
Gladys and family, I am greiving with you and your family. Really never was
close enough to be with you all while we were raising our children but I KNOW you and Jack were good parents and loved them all so much. My heart goes out to you-wish I was close by
so I could give you a hug. Our precious God will see you through plus all the prayers you are receiving. I'm so glad we became friends in 1967 & kept in touch all those years. Love you!! NIN

Brad France

August 12, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's Passing. He was a wonderful class mate of mine from 4th grade through high school. Though we lost touch I have always thought of him as a friend. I am so sorry for his parents and his brother who I also remember fondly. I wish his family well through this tough time.

Gloria Coco

August 7, 2012

David's contributions to the Justice System were stellar on every level. I had the honor of working with him for a number of years at the the Cook County Courthouse at 13th and Michigan. I was so very, very saddened to learn of his passing. His remarkable personality, his integrity, his kindness, his innate sense of justice served the people of this county immeasurably. My thoughts and prayers are with David, and all his family at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Gloria G. Coco

Kathy Bell

August 7, 2012

I met Dave when I served as the High School Project Director at CRFC. He was terrific with the students and teachers. For me, he was a wonderful resource and I especially admired his wit, legal knowledge, and sense that you never stop giving of yourself to others. For his family, please know he was truly appreciated and will be misses. Kathy Bell

Dee Runaas

August 7, 2012

The Dave Baitman I will always remember had the greatest sense of humor and the biggest heart around. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this great friend. He was always so supportive of our work here at the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago. He will be missed!

Tom Davy

August 6, 2012

The Dave Baitman that I and others who he worked with in the State's Attorney's Office will always remember him as a decent, hardworking, honorable, family loving gentleman. His professional reputation was above reproach whether with the Oak Lawn PD, where I first met him, the SAO or the PD's Office. I'm sorry I was not aware of the celebration of his life until today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Terry Quinn

August 6, 2012

Dave Baitman was a friend and mentor to me at the Cook County Public Defender's Office. I will miss him.

Patrick Urbut

August 6, 2012

I remember David from his early days in the Oak Lawn Police Department when I was a young attorney in Oak Lawn. David was always thoughtful and of service to others in the community. I became a friend of David's and was honored to represent David as his attorney when he was a police officer and later when he became an attorney. David and I also worked together on some matters where we were helping some other non attorney persons. I will be praying for his family in what must be a very difficult time.

Parul Desai

August 5, 2012

As the Chief of the First Municipal Division at the Public Defender's Office, Dave was one of the best bosses. He was kind, understanding, and helpful. He always wanted to do what was best for the client and the people in his division. He was always concerned with the morale in the Office and did his best to keep it high. I will always have these nice memories of him.

Rita Fry

August 4, 2012

Dave was a great guy and a skillfull lawyer, he was loyal and fun and I will miss him, I will say prayers for him and his family.

Patrick Reardon

August 4, 2012

Dave was one of the first persons I met when I began working at the Law Office of the Public Defender. He was dedicated to his work with the indigent and always went beyond what was asked of him. I was honored to count him a friend.

Nancy and Phil Palmer

August 2, 2012

Dear Gladys, Jack,and family,
We share in the sadness you feel at this time. Please, accept our very sincere sympathy in your loss. You will continue to be in our hearts and prayers. Cousin Nancy and Phil

nancy pehlke

August 2, 2012

The loss of a loved one is always difficult. I know that words can't begin to to express the loss you are feeling. My prayers are with Dave and his family

Russell Stiger

August 2, 2012

Paying my respect....

Michael Smith

August 2, 2012

Paying my respect......

Ed Hammer

August 2, 2012

I just read Dave's obit. I was very happy to see the short but precise biography of the Dave I remember,a well respected and honorable man. He will be missed

Chris Smith

August 2, 2012

I can remember Dave from high school where he definitely was a good student and person. I had an occasion to see Dave while he was on the OL police force. He was a genuine person at that time and I can't imagine anything else. Rest in Peace Dave.

R Stalllings

August 1, 2012

Losing a loved one can be difficult but through prayer and supplication to God you will find peace that will guard your heart and mind. Philippians 4:6, 7.

Patrick McDermott

August 1, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful, thoughtful, generous Man, who helped so many peoples lives. We will love you and miss you always.

August 1, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss, may the GOD of comfort give your family the strength to endure this time of sorrow.
2Cor 1:3

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