Hon. Mel Richard Jiganti 1931- 2022

Hon. Mel Richard Jiganti, beloved husband of the late Mary Ann Jiganti, nee Fusco, died on February 15, 2022. Mel met the love of his life in second grade, married her at 23 and had five children in quick succession. By any measure, he led a spectacular life.

A Saint Ignatius College Prep and University of Notre Dame alumni, Mel became an Illinois state court judge at 30, serving in each division of the circuit court and for 19 years as an Appellate Court Justice. A past President of the Illinois Judges Association, he influenced a generation of lawyers with his even temperament and intellectual rigor. He leaves a legacy of judicial opinions that are the law today.

Mel was a ferocious, and sometimes talented, competitor in all sports including golf, handball, tennis, running and skiing. He and Mary Ann traveled to more than 55 countries in every exotic corner of the earth including Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and Mali. A passionate opera lover, he relished decades of Lyric performances. A voracious reader, he enjoyed intellectual pursuits and dense books. He was known for his independence of thought and early feminism.

At his center, Mel was a family man who adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children Therese (Jack) Stewart and their children Jeanine Stewart, Carly (Andrew) Schrage, Lia (Trevor) Head; Mark (Veronica) and their children Michael (Julie), Elise (Colin Lopez); Jeanine (Brian McManus) and their children Dan, Nick and Mel McManus; John (Suzanne) and their children Zach, Max (Bronte), Kyle; Paul (Carol) and their children Regina, Julie, Jayne; and many great-grandchildren. He practiced his parenting skills at a young age on his beloved younger brother Jack, with whom he remained exceptionally close over their lifetime. In addition, he will be missed by his sister-in-law Dorothy Jiganti and in-laws Dan and Dorothy Fusco.

The family is forever grateful for the love and caring of his companion Rosemary James. After a lifetime of friendship and travel with their spouses, the two spent the last 10 years caring for each other.

Please consider contributions to the Ilaria Jiganti-Lopez Memorial Scholarship or Saint Ignatius College Prep

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann
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