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Edward M. "Eddie" Genson

Edward M. "Eddie" Genson obituary, Chicago, IL

Edward Genson Obituary

Genson, Edward M. "Eddie" EDWARD M. GENSON "Eddie", age 78, of Deerfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home. He was preceded in death by his parents Morton and Sarah Genson and his in-laws Henry and Blanche Benjamin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan; his children Kim (Brad) Thiriot, Melissa (Elisha) Rosenblum, and Morton David (Katherine) Genson; his sister Myrna (the late Ralph) Dreier; and his treasured grandchildren Mollie, Rebecca, Benjamin, Sarah, Nancy, and Abigail. Eddie was born on the West Side of Chicago in 1941. He attended Marshall High School and graduated in 1958. He earned his B.A. degree in Political Science from Northwestern University in 1962 and his J.D. degree from Northwestern University Law School in 1965. Eddie practiced law and tried cases in state and federal court in Chicago and across the country for over 50 years. His legendary work ethic, trial skills, and courtroom demeanor were renowned, acknowledged, and admired by the judges he appeared before, the attorneys he litigated with and against, and the clients he zealously defended. He was generous with his time and mentored and advised law students and attorneys who sought his advice and guidance throughout their own careers. His warm smile, jovial demeanor, and easy intelligence attracted people to him, but the foundation of his many friendships was always his steady loyalty and support. When not practicing law, Eddie could be found building and running his expansive model train layout, playing his clarinet, listening to jazz music, reading, or spending time with the most cherished people in his life, his grandchildren. He was also a student of history and was an integral member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency where he participated in the founding of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. Additionally, he was a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Governor's Commission on Criminal Legislation, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the John Howard Association. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a private burial service was held on April 17, 2020 at Memorial Park in Skokie, IL. A memorial service in celebration of Eddie's life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, One East Wacker Dr., STE 1730, Chicago, Illinois 60601-1980, [email protected]. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com. Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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John Comeau

June 7, 2020

Ed Genson was the best cross-examiner I have ever seen during my 40 years of trying cases in Chicago. He was my opponent once. I had called a witness who was the owner of a Pizza parlor. The witness was supposed to testify about the operations of the business and the meaning of certain notations in the books and records of the business. On direct, I thought I had accomplished this. But, on cross, Ed undid everything I had done. It was brilliant. Pure genius. Although he was killing my case, I loved watching every minute of it. By the time Ed was done, my witness didn't know anything about the business or the meaning of its records. Instead, he just worked in the kitchen. In Ed's words, "Q. So you didn't do anything but work in the back, making the pizzas and rolling the dough?" A. Yes." After that trial, whenever Ed was on trial, I made time to go watch him conduct cross-examinations. I watched Ed on trial so many times, I have lost court. His cross-examinations were always brilliant and entertaining. He was so quick witted. We became friends and he would give me advice and strategies on how to cross-examine. He was just a wonderful brilliant man. I'll miss him a lot.

John Comeau

Anthony D'Agostino

April 25, 2020

Without the help of both Susan and Eddie which was offered so graciously, I would never have found the correct path in which to thrive with my family. Thank you so much. I'll never forget you both.

Marcia Cahn

April 21, 2020

I heard about your electric trains . You must have learned a lot from them because when I ran into a bit of trouble, you came speedily to help us out (and I mean out!). Thank you, and Shalom.

Anthony and Mary Bertuca

April 21, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. Sue and David, you know he saved my life.
All our love, Tony and Mary

April 21, 2020

Dear Susan and Family,
We send our deepest sympathy. Eddie was a remarkable man and friend.
Paul & Marilyn Kayman

Nick and Stephane Tziavaras

April 19, 2020

To the Edward Genson Family

Mr. Genson was an outstanding lawyer who zealously advocated on behalf his clients and defended them with brilliance and the highest standards of excellence in the practice of law. He was a Chicago legend who always found time to talk and mentor younger lawyers. He brought out the best in prosecutors and his courtroom opponents in all phases of litigation. He was a credit to our profession and set the bar high for all lawyers who litigate in the courtroom. May his memory be eternal. Our condolences and sympathies to the Genson family and May God give you strength during these difficult times.

John Morrison

April 19, 2020

May the rose rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back; the sun shine warm upon your face; the rain fall softly upon your fields; and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
It was a great pleasure to know you, Eddie. Rest in peace.
With love, John Morrison

Sharon Drazner

April 19, 2020

Sending heartfelt condolences to Sue and the family. We will always remember his kindness to Keith; Ed went into the pool fully dressed to encourage Keith to get in. Hoping you.r memories will bring you comfort.

Carol

April 19, 2020

You will be missed, Eddie! Rest In Peace. Xo

April 18, 2020

Thinking of the family and wishing them comfort and peace

April 17, 2020

Dear Ed:

Years ago, when we learned our son was incarcerated, alone, and in your City, our entire family felt as if we had entered that prison with him. We traveled in a state of mourning, we searched, and we are convinced that God put you in our path. You appeared, you took charge, you offered us strength, serenity, and calm. You guided us, and most importantly, you gave us hope in our darkest hour.

You did not hesitate to help, you took interest, and you listened to a mother's heart and comforted her.

Our son now leads a good and honourable life. He has a family, and has been blessed with 3 children who he adores. Your faith in second chances, rehabilitation, reinsertion, and your ability to see the good, the dignity, and the humanity of the persons you have represented is your greatest testament. Whether or not you intended it, these virtues have borne fruit. For us, this is nothing short of a miracle.

You gave us peace from grief and sorrow, and for us parents, the rest of our children, and an extended family afflicted by tragedy, your restored our lives, as well as our faith in justice and in humanity. You gave us grandchildren who are on their way to being wonderful human beings and who will know your goodness and the magnitude of your heart.

So much has been said about your legal acumen, but so much more can be written about your heart, we are sure, and about what you have done for both the innocent and those who have unwittingly or through life's circumstances fallen into error. You were capable of discerning and recognizing goodness. You exuded warmth, humanity, and compassion. This was apparent by the way you treated our youngest son who has special needs. To you, this sibling, along with the mother of the young man you represented, were the most important members of our family.

You were the guest of honour at our subsequent family gatherings and celebrations when you were well enough to attend, and you will forever continue to hold a place of honour in our hearts, gracing our lives with your memory.

You were a prince of a man and a noble soul. We love you and we owe you our lives. With the frenetic pace of life, we have not said it enough over the years. We want you and your family to know now that we are the beneficiaries of your kindness and your humanity. We know you can hear us.

We thank you for believing in our family. We remain in awe of you and will honour your life and cherish your example in our homes. We miss you dearly, Mr. Genson. May you rest in peace.

Fondly,

A Family Blessed by You and Heartbroken by Your Early Departure

Debbie & David Well

April 17, 2020

We are so saddened by the death of your beloved father. We remember him as a gentle man with a sweet smile and always a kind word. We know there is a special place in heaven where G-d will hold him close and from where he will watch over his family for eternity.

Amaya S Jackson

April 17, 2020

Your spirit and kindness will never be forgotten. We are blessed to have known you. Thank you, Ed. We love you. Rest In Peace.

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Skokie, IL 60077-2224

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Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel

8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224

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