SR0225 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0225 LRB104 13110 ECR 25190 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Brother Edward "Ed" Arambasich, OFM, who passed away on March 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich was born to Joann (Mulvey) and Edward J. Arambasich Sr. in Joliet on October 7, 1951; in his youth, he served as an altar boy, demonstrating his commitment to helping others at an early age; he attended the former St. Ann School in Crest Hill and the former St. John the Baptist School; he graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, known today as Joliet Catholic Academy, in 1969; he later took a sabbatical year to study applied theology in Berkley, California in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich worked briefly as an ironworker before professing his monastic vows on August 11, 1973; he served as a Benedictine monk for 20 years, during which time he worked as assistant dean of students at Benet Academy under the Diocese of Joliet, before joining the Franciscan Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in St. Louis, Missouri in 1992; he later returned to Joliet, where he worked in campus ministry at the University of St. Francis; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich served as fire chaplain at Fire Station No. 5 in Joliet from 1993 to 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1995 to 2001, and in Quincy, Illinois from 2003 to 2016; he was transferred to serve as a chaplain at the St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco, California in 2016 and then returned to Joliet to once again serve as a chaplain for the Joliet Fire Department; he also traveled to Ground Zero in New York City to comfort survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich volunteered for children and adults with cerebral palsy, organizing outings and providing care characterized by patience, kindness, and love; he spent his weekends assisting nuns with cleaning and organizing classrooms, and he was known for raising funds for the poor and walking with the unhoused on retreats; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich was active in a number of groups that supported firefighters, and he ran a longtime blog called Fireman63; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich loved playing a good prank and ghost hunting, often organizing spooky and creepy adventures to local cemeteries; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich's life was marked by a profound dedication to service and compassion, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and selflessness; he was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged, offering support to anyone in need, and he always fought injustice with steadfast truth and unconditional love; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his nephew, Neil; his cousins, Patty Jo Arambasich Craft, Bill Telfer, Mike Telfer, and Timmy Arambasich Sr.; his sister-in-law, April Arambasich; and numerous aunts and uncles; and

WHEREAS, Br. Ed Arambasich is survived by his siblings, Thomas (fiancee, Deborah Kilhafner) Arambasich, Pamela (Jeffrey) Walker, and Lori (Rick) Wrobel; his aunt, Judith Wetherbee; eight nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Brother Edward "Ed" Arambasich, OFM and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Br. Ed Arambasich as an expression of our deepest sympathy.