Notable 2014 deaths in Chicago area and Illinois
Jane Byrne: The first and only woman elected mayor of Chicago, her single term garnered mixed reviews, but her legacy — reviving Chicago as a film capital, encouraging women in politics, Taste of Chicago — remained strong long after she retired.
Phil Crane: Staunch conservative congressman from Wauconda 1969-2004; was the longest-serving Republican congressman in history and the most senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Held a doctorate in history; wrote several books on government and politics.
Alan Dixon: Illinois Democrat with strong belief in bipartisanship, whose career in national and state politics spanned more than 40 years. Won an Illinois House seat in 1950, went on to the Illinois Senate, became state treasurer and then secretary of state. Was in the U.S. Senate 1980-1992.
Richard J. Elrod: Cook County sheriff served four consecutive terms 1970-1986 and was a Cook County circuit court judge from 1988 until his death. Before being elected sheriff, Elrod was an attorney for the city of Chicago and in 1969 he suffered a broken neck while assisting a police officer apprehend a man — thus, the cane he used to walk.
Janice Gosnell Franzen: Longtime editor of Wheaton-based Christian Life Publications, wife of the late DuPage County philanthropist Ralph O. Franzen. Was involved with many charitable works. As editor of Christian Life Magazine, Franzen interviewed many notable Christians, including Phyllis Schlafly, Lynda Carter, author Catherine Marshall, TV pastor Robert Schuller and musician June Carter Cash.
Jim Fregosi: An All-Star shortstop who won more than 1,000 games as a manager for four teams, including the White Sox. More than 50 years in baseball; in 15 seasons as a manager, he posted a 1,028-1,094 record.
Molly Glynn: Veteran Chicago stage and television actress, had roles on TV's “Chicago Fire,” “Boss” and “Early Edition” but was best known in Chicago theater, working with Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, Next, Northlight and Writers Theatre, where she was most recently in the cast of “The Dance of Death.”
Sam Greenlee: Chicago poet and novelist best known for his 1969 novel, “The Spook Who Sat by the Door,” later adapted into a movie. One of the first blacks to join the U.S. foreign service, serving in Iraq, Pakistan, Indonesia and Greece from 1957-1965.
Roy Leonard: A fixture in Chicago radio and TV, Leonard was a genial longtime radio broadcaster, incisive interviewer, DJ for WGN-AM and host of WGN-TV's “Family Classics.” Joined WGN-AM in 1967, and his midday show lasted for 30 years.
John C. Melaniphy Jr. and F.J. “Mel” Melaniphy: Brothers, they were major voices in the commercial real estate and retail industries who died within weeks of each other. John, principal at Chicago-based Melaniphy & Associates Inc., counseled thousands of developers, retailers, restaurants, and shopping center owners. “Mel” Melaniphy was an engineer and test pilot for General Dynamics in San Diego, Calif.; founded Site Location Specialists; and was president of the Chicagoland Restaurant Brokers Association for seven years.
Sheldon Patinkin: A giant in the world of Chicago theater and comedy, he was among the first in the long line of Chicago comedy improvisers. Chairman of the Columbia College Chicago theater department, had an association with The Second City that spanned 50 years.
Tim Sassone: Longtime hockey beat writer for the Daily Herald. Won a Peter Lisagor Award, was a Top 10 national finalist for game reporting, a media finalist for the Hockey Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Northern Star (NIU) Hall of Fame in 2013. Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks honored him with a No. 25 jersey for his 25 years of covering the team.
Larry Schreiner: Legendary WGN crime reporter and former Daily Herald columnist, Schreiner carried body bags in the trunk of his car and often got to crime scenes before police. “He had seen stuff that would turn your hair white,” said son Matthew. Covered some of the biggest stories of his era, including John Wayne Gacy, the American Airlines Flight 191 crash and the Browns Chicken murders in Palatine.
Ed Sprinkle: A star defensive end for the Chicago Bears in the 1940s and '50s who was called the “meanest man” in football. Played for the Bears from 1944 to 1955 under coach George Halas, including the 1946 championship team. Elected to the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
Bernie Stone: Legendary North Side alderman on the Chicago City Council for nearly 40 years. Known for being outspoken, he was a Democrat but briefly joined the Republican Party in the 1980s.
Judy Baar Topinka: Illinois comptroller elected to second term in November, former Illinois treasurer 1995-2007 who ran for governor against Rod Blagojevich in 2006 and lost. Widely respected outspoken financial conservative and independent Republican voice in a state government dominated by men and Democrats.
Bernie Yvon: Gifted singer, dancer, actor in the greater Chicago theater community who also toured nationally and worked on Broadway.
Don 'Popeye' Zimmer: Colorful former Cubs manager known for a big chaw in his cheek and the steel plate in his head, was in baseball 66 years. Coached third base for Cubs 1984—1986; became Cubs manager in 1988. In 1989 named Manager of the Year after Cubs won division. Was hit in the head by a pitch in 1953 and woke up two weeks later.