Spognardi, Mark A.

Mark Anthony Spognardi, noted Chicago labor attorney, died April 12, 2023, at Rush University Medical Center from complications related to heart disease. He was 63. Spognardi was a founding partner of Spognardi Baiocchi LLP, created in January 2019, and founding partner of Pautsch, Spognardi & Baiocchi Legal Group, 2014-2019. Earlier affiliations included Arnstein & Lehr, partner, 2006-2014; Holland & Knight, partner, 1994-2006; Matkov Salzman, associate, 1989-1994; and National Labor Relations Board, attorney, 1984-1989. He was a specialist in management-side labor and employment law, acting as counsel to business owners and executives. He was also a long-time board member of the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association, 27th ward committeeman of the Chicago Republican Party and a November 2016 candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives for the 10th district. Spognardi, a native of Milwaukee, graduated from the University of Iowa in 1980 and the DePaul University College of Law in 1984. A resident of the West Loop in downtown Chicago since 2006, Spognardi married Chicago banker Kathleen Gallagher in 2014. Additional survivors include father Julius C. Spognardi and his wife, Lois Bushman-Spognardi, Geneva, Illinois; brothers Julius C. (Michelle) Spognardi II, Beverly Hills, Michigan, and Romulus A. Spognardi, Chicago; nieces Alexandra Spognardi, Chicago, and Isabella Spognardi, Denver; and nephew, Julius C. Spognardi III, New York. He is also survived by his wife's family, including her children Brendan, Patrick and Maura Ford, all Chicago; sisters, Peg (Tom) Magnuson, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Patti (Doug) Newberry, Cincinnati; and brother Tom (Kristi Frahm) Gallagher, Denver; and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Audrey (Smith) Spognardi, in 1999. Family and friends will meet on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654, for a 9:30 a.m. Visitation, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, P.O Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia, 22116-7023, or www.diabetes.org. For guestbook and further information www.michalikfuneralhome.com or 312-421-0936.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Spognardi

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11 Entries

James & Kathy Lowe

August 25, 2023

I never met Mark personally , Mark has helped us in numerous cases We had many laughs on the phone and he was a great attorney. We are shocked and saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Rich Munnich

May 16, 2023

I just learned of Mark's untimely demise. My deepest condolences to you all. We were friends through the Chicago GOP. I helped him with his run for the Il House. He was the greatest. I am going to miss him.

SuAnne Lopata

April 26, 2023

Kate, I didn´t know your husband, but I know you through HNC. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dunning Electrical Services, Inc.

April 19, 2023

We are deeply saddened and very sorry for the loss of Mark. He was a great man and amazing human being, we are honored to have had the pleasure of working with him for all these years, he will be missed.

Steve Grossmark

April 18, 2023

Very sorry for your loss. I only knew Mark as an officemate at Willis Tower but found him to be a very friendly and a very good person. He will be missed.

Erica Minchella

April 17, 2023

Kate - I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a friend, a colleague, and, briefly, a client. We met each other through the Justinian Society of Lawyers, sitting next to each other at dinner. He will always have a special place in my memories. Erica Minchella

Mary Cunningham

Sent Flowers

Tim & Vi Butler

April 17, 2023

Kate, we are extremely sorry for your loss. Mark initially started out as our attorney, but with his huge heart and personality, I am sure that it was not unusual for him to become a true friend of a client, as he did with us. We admired Mark´s demonstrable love and passion for God, family, America, the legal system, politics, and life, but most of all the love he openly expressed for you, "his Kate". Words cannot adequately express the sense of loss and sadness we felt when we received the news of Mark´s passing. We hope you can find peace, strength, and comfort in all the happy, loving moments you shared with such a wonderful soul.

Robert S.

April 17, 2023

My condolences on the loss of Mark. I met Mark through NATERA a few years back. He quickly made me feel welcomed and at ease. His passion for the work done, politics, as well as his patriotism quickly made a positive and lasting impression. He asked me once if I'd be interested in getting into politics. That always stuck with me. I will always remember Mark. God Bless

Susanne Flood

April 16, 2023

I´m am so very sorry to hear of Mark´s passing, Kate. May the beautiful memories and love you shared sustain you.

Susanne Flood

Alyssa Becker

April 15, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I can only imagine the beautiful reunion in heaven between Mother and Son.

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