Elgin volunteer dies after long illness

Anthony Pedote, an active community volunteer who for years brought the community carnival to Elgin, died Sunday after a long illness.

Pedote, 46, died at University of Illinois Hospital, where he'd been in intensive care, said his good friend, Jeff Turner.

A former planning and zoning commissioner, Pedote was active with groups such as Elgin Climate Change Organization and Elgin Community Network, and helped plan and cook for the annual community dinners organized by Turner.

Pedote followed the footsteps of his mother, Sigi Psimenos, also a well-known community figure who died last May.

"He was involved in tons of things, just like his mother," Turner said. "He was one of the biggest volunteers in Elgin. Any volunteer event or fundraiser, you'd always see Anthony there."

Pedote never feared speaking his mind, which made him at times a controversial figure in town, Turner said.

"He was very passionate about his causes, but he'd give his shirt off his back to anyone that needed it," he said. "I always say he's a gentle giant with a heart of gold."

Pedote suffered an infection that spread to his spine and rendered him paralyzed in 2015, Turner said. He'd been in hospitals and rehabilitation centers ever since.

"His spirits were always high," Turner said. "He was a fighter."