Richard J. Elrod

Hon. Richard J. Elrod, Cook County Circuit Judge and dedicated and beloved civic leader and public servant, passed away at the age of 80. Judge Elrod is survived by his wife and very best friend, Marilyn, nee Mann, with whom he spent 58 wonderful years of marriage. He was the loving father of Steven (Donna) Elrod and Audrey (Ron) Lakin; the doting and proud grandfather of Elizabeth (Russell) Mollen, Daniel Elrod, David Lakin and Lauren Lakin; the devoted son of the late Cook County Commissioner Arthur X. Elrod and the late Della Elrod Mulmat; the cherished brother of the late Gloria Sheppard (late Jules) Bliss; the fond brother-in-law of the late Dorothy (Dr. Irwin and Angela Hill) Marcus; the revered uncle of Barry (Hope) Sheppard, Robert (Elizabeth) Sheppard, Judi (John Hamel) Sheppard, Dr. Randall (Katy) Marcus, Sherry (Alan) Leventhal, and Melinda (AC Gonzalez) Marcus, as well as many great-nephews, great-nieces, and three great-great nieces; and to all who new him: a wise mentor and dear friend.

There will be a memorial service followed by a reception at Temple Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe, Illinois beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. The memorial service will be preceded by a private family burial service at Westlawn Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) has established the "Honorable Richard J. Elrod Fund." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to that fund, c/o CDEL, 79 West Monroe Street, Suite 919 Chicago, IL 60603. www.cdelaw.org, or to the charity of your choice.