Laurence Msall Obituary

This is very sad and unexpected. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Laurence is a fraternity brother of mine, and although he graduated the year before I started Knox, I was fortunate enough to meet him on a few occasions. He also helped me get my first job out of college, as an intern at IL DCCA. And then of course I would see him occasionally on the news. I don´t think most people even realize how important he was to our state running smoothly. But this was just who he was. He will be dearly missed.

I have not been able to put pen to paper, cursor to screen since hearing of Laurence's passing. I worked with him in Springfield in the 80s when I worked for Governor Thompson and we were in night school graduating together at Loyola Law in '92. I'm so deeply saddened, I can't imagine the grief his family must be enduring. Just a great guy, so smart, such a great sense of humor, I considered him a friend. So great to see him at the JRT Tribute last fall and shared emails afterward. It's a devastating loss for anyone who knew him in any capacity whatsoever.

I was lucky enough to work with Lawrence when I was a lobbyist for the Illinois Bar Association - he was always so kind and funny. I am so sorry to have heard this news.

I had always looked forward to seeing Mr. Msall on WTTW's Chicago Tonight program. His passing is a huge loss for Chicago.

I am so grateful to be an `in-law´ in this extended family that granted me the gift in knowing Laurence even a little bit. My love and prayers to you all.

I met Laurence when he joined the DCCA team. We became friends immediately- like so many that met him before and after. He was funny, smart, kind, compassionate, and dedicated. Wise beyond his years. A true gentleman. He was looking for a parish in Springfield and I introduced him to St. Patrick´s - they had a fun Mens club and he fit in immediately. We enjoyed a beer or two....at their Lenten fish fries. Years would go by before we would see each other again- but always old home week when we did. Heartfelt sympathy to Nicola and children and all of his family and friends. Thank you for sharing Laurence with all of us, and Laurence thank you for your years of dedication and service. You will be so missed but never forgotten. Tightest of hugs.

Thank you for all of your service and your tireless dedication to public service. You will always be remembered and appreciated. Sincerest condolences to your family.

Laurence was a loving friend. I feel so very lucky to have had him in my life. May his family find some solace in their memories and in the legacy he leaves behind.

I knew Laurence back in our Scouting years & he also went to St Ignatius couple years behind me. I know my Father (who attended many a campout with him) always was thrilled/proud when he appeared on TV with his erudite analysis I would see him at the Ignatius golf outings & think we've come a long way since our Scouting days. God Bless you Brother

I will always be grateful to Laurence for taking me on as an intern at the peak of the pandemic. Between weekly check-ins where Cuthbert (his cat) walked all over the keyboard, long conversations about how to do good for the community, and the numerous occasions on which I read about and saw him speak about his important and meaningful work, Laurence has played a large part in shaping my career aspirations as well as showing me what a supportive workplace looks like. He will be greatly missed.

Worked with Laurence for 20 plus years. What a truly wonderful person and true civil servant. His contribution to public life will not be forgotten
Don Haider

We will always remember the summers you spent with us at Lake Mildred! They are greatly treasured moments, as I remember our girls singing, "Lake Mildred Girls"! You will live on in our memories and our hearts, Larry. Prayers of Peace to you girls and your family. My heart breaks for you all,
Miss Karla Lorgus (Kerry & Mika)

I first met Laurence when he was a student at Knox because I knew his mother Lucille earlier for her work on behalf of children with disabilities. Soon after he graduated Knox our paths crossed again when we worked together at DCCA and for Governor Thompson. Through the years we remained connected as Knox alumni, and for a time trustees together there. Honest, articulate, bipartisan, are just a few words describing Laurence. The many tributes for his dedicated public service could not be more deserved. My condolences to his family. Knowing how much he impacted this world hopefully will bring you some solace.

I met Laurence when I joined FRAC, an organization sponsored by the Civic Committee. We worked together on several projects. Laurence was always the consummate professional. He loved the City of Chicago and worked tirelessly to improve its operations. Gary Spiece, Senior Coordinator, Financial Research and Advisory Committee.

Laurence was that special blend of policy wonk, ethical public servant and kind human being. He always talked about his kids with love and pride. It was an honor and a privilege to know him. And fun, always, to interview him. May the road rise up to meet him.

Lucy, Camille, & Matilda
We were fortunate to watch you grow up to become beautiful young women reflecting the love of your family and friends.
We are heartbroken at the loss of your dad. The three of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our most heartfelt sympathy Niki & Larry

Lawrence was unique individual and I was so fortunate to know him thru my years City Hall as City Comptroller and CFO at Cook County. I pray that his soul rest in peace and comfort to his family.

Laurence was one of the first to express interest in developing a religious education program for special needs persons in our parish. His dedication and his expertise in helping design appropriate programs was inspiring. God bless you and and rest in peace, Laurence. You leave a legacy of kindness and inclusion of all people that will last forever. Thank you.
Therese Sabo

Having known and kept in touch with Larry since our days at Knox College, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death. I always enjoyed catching up with Larry during Homecoming, the last time at our 40th reunion in 2018. I will miss his biting wit and considerable charm. I am heartened to see that he was so respected by his colleagues and others who worked with him during his career. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I didn't know Laurence when he became the president of the Civic Federation, but I remember thinking, "He must be special if they picked him." He would need to be to guide such an esteemed group, and it turned out he was even better than advertised. His pass is an enormous loss to the world of good government and civic engagement. Sending strength and loads of positive thoughts to his family and his many friends, coworkers, and vast network of like-minded reformers.

This is very sad news. I am shocked and dumbfounded. I thought of Laurence as someone who was always there, and would be around forever. He was, to me--and although I didn't know him that well--always there. I met him in law school; we were in the same evening division class at Loyola (I had switched to the evening after my first year) and that's where I met Laurence. He was a few years younger than me, but we were contemporaries. And he was always there. He had a rare and special balance of intellect, inquisitiveness, and curiosity, all wrapped in an equally rare, special and sensitive grounding in fairness and equity--qualities that, I believe, marked his career; although we didn't keep track of one another after law school, I was not at all surprised to see him repeatedly in the news (and particularly on Chicago Tonight on WTTW), weighing in on all things political and ethical in politics in City Hall and in Springfield. And I was as thrilled as I was moved, to run into him on occasion crossing Daley Plaza, or elsewhere nearby in the Loop, where we'd wave to one another or, at times. stop to briefly chat.
Laurence was an icon to me, and his tireless and unapologetic dedication to good, clean and honest government above all is and has been an example to all of us and at the same time and as important, demonstrates how lawyers can, and why lawyers often do, matter.
My heartfelt condolences to Laurence's family first and foremost, to his friends and associates, and to each and all of us who have been fortunate to have known him, to have worked with him, or to have simply been touched by his work and his grace.

I had the pleasure of going on ASP trips with Larry (and Matilda) and while I cannot recall a specific joke or comment, he always made me laugh. A lot. He was one of those guys you immediately felt like you have known forever, someone you have everything in common with and a guy you like without reservation. Though he was "in politics," he never pushed any philosophy that I recall other than common sense. I feel I am better person for having known him so, there's that.

So very saddened to hear this. What a great guy, we need his voice now more than ever. We worked together in the Ryan administration. My condolences to his family and friends.

Laurence was a wonderful caring friend to my wife Joan Long and all of their Loyola law school classmates, maintaining those close ties for decades after graduation. When Joan and I wed, Laurence welcomed me into that fraternity. He was brilliant but not acerbic, warm, with a great wry sense of humor. Everyone who knew him was better for his friendship. Joan is devastated that she is out of the country but her thoughts, all of our thoughts, are with Nicole, Laurence's large and loving family, and the Loyola Law group. Laurence, you are dearly missed.

I respected Lawrence so much. We had a great professional relationship when I was with both Chicago City Colleges and the Illinois Commerce Commission. Great man, down to earth and knew his stuff. Getting Larry to compliment your budget was like getting a blessing for God. I am so shocked and saddened. My joke to him was always, "I want to grow up to be like you." And he was two years younger!
My deepest condolences to Larry's family. He was admired by all who knew him.

Laurence was the first friend I made when I went to work at DCCA 30+ years ago, and we maintained that friendship for all these years. He was a wonderful friend who always made for you, but even more so a man who loved his family above all else. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children and family. God bless you and keep you until we meet again.

So sorry to hear this. RIP dear Larry.

Our condolences. I did not know him personally, but he was an important voice in Chicago and Illinois public finance. He and his family are in my prayers.

I´m lucky to had Larry as a friend so long ago at Knox. He was so good at making a person think a little harder about a discussion, push a little harder on the track, be a little better than you thought you could be... and always with his unique mix of wit and kindness. I am so sorry to hear of his passing; my heart goes out to Nicky and the family.

Larry, as he was known growing up was consistently the most hilarious individual from our neighborhood! He often could be found playing running bases in our alley with my younger brother Tommy or just hanging out in our backyard making everybody laugh! Nobody was more impressed with Larry´s success than my mother! She always listened to Larry´s interviews on the radio. As recently as two years ago, she called a radio program that was featuring Larry and stated, "Is this the same Larry Msall from 88th and Washtenaw? It´s Mrs. Murphy!" Larry´s response was, "Yes, it is Mrs. Murphy!" My mom, of course then proceeded to contribute her "two cents" to the conversation! She was so proud of Larry!

On behalf of my mom and siblings, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Msall family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

-Colleen Murphy-Manika
Fairfield Ave., Evergreen Park

I am devastated by the loss of our Laurence. I met him in 1986 when I went to work for DCCA. It was still the open-office concept, and our desks were about 6 feet away from each other. He was my first real friend at that agency, and we bonded over politics, why my mom should sell him her used Gremlin, our Czech and Slovak families and where you could get good kielbasa sausage in Springfield (Turaskys). As our lives changed and we took on different jobs, etc. we never lost touch, even after he moved back to Chicago. I remember the first time I saw him quoted in the Springfield State Journal-Register newspaper. I was all excited, called him up and faxed the article to him. I told him I was going to start a scrapbook for him as I had never been friends with a "Big Shot". We shared conversations with all the joys and struggles that life brings. When he came down to Springfield, or I was in Chicago, we would try to get together with a few other long time office mates for lunch or a drink. After time passed, we didn´t see each other very frequently, but about ever six months, one of us would call and we´d catch up. I also looked forward to his post Christmas family letter. I know he loved his girls beyond and back and was so proud of their accomplishments. When he told me about Nicola, I could tell he was smitten from the very start. It was absolutely true love. I was really happy for him. I was sad that I hadn´t gotten to meet Nicola in person, but I knew from our conversations he had found THE ONE! It´s funny how God blesses you with these truly special people in your life. Ones that you know you can count on wherever and whenever you may be. A friend you can laugh and cry, share a confidence or true feelings and never feel like a fool. There are moments I can think back on that will always make me laugh, like the first time he wore a big furry Kosack´s hat he bought when he visited Russia during college, and of course the running joke of the kielbasa pronounced in our best South Chicago accent. God bless you and keep you safe in his loving arms. Until we meet again. - Mary ((Deloney) Roach

Although we never got to meet Mr. Msall, we are so grateful to him for being a friend to and mentoring our daughter, Jaye, at Civic Federation.

Lawrence was always so full of light and warmth. I´m thankful for the time we all had together in Italy, sailing in Chicago, and other moments. Sending our love to you Nicola.

~Heather & John

My sincere condolences to the Msall family and friends. I will always remember Laurence´s smile and kindness. May he rest in the peace he so deserves.

Camille, Lucille and Matilda, Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. I have such fond memories of your Dad as a wonderful neighbor and the special relationship that it entailed as we were raising our families on Lombard Ave.

Anita,
We send our condolences to you, to your brother's family, and to the rest of the Msalls. We are out of town but you will be in our thoughts.

To the Msall family. I had the privilege of knowing Laurence for many years as a public official, colleague and friend. His contributions to the Civic Federation are many and he will be missed by family and friends. May he rest in peace and may his memory be forever eternal.

My heart goes out to my dear friend Nicky and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time. We will always remember Larry´s incredible wit and ability to make us all laugh. He will forever be in our hearts. Love and prayers of healing go out to the entire family.

Bruce and I are so saddened to hear this news. A kind, humorous man, Laurence and his young family were wonderful neighbors. Our heartfelt condolences to Lucy, Camille, Matilda and his entire family.

A very special person who could make you feel like the most important person when you talked with him. Always willing to offer support. He will be missed. Love You Laurence.

I am so, so very sorry for the loss of this all around amazing man. I grew up with him and he was one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. Words can not express my sorrow. Much love to his family.