RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Edward J. Schmit Jr. has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Ed is survived by his wife, Debbie [nee Edburg), his children, Heidi (Anthony) Skokal, Eddie III (Brenda Restaino), Heather (Dominic) Jaroch, John (Maria) and Nick (Meagan), grandchildren, and many more other relatives; and
WHEREAS, Ed was born to the late Edward Sr. and late Claudia Schmit; and
WHEREAS, Ed grew up in Gage Park where he raised his five children and were well established in the community and contributing members of St. Simon School and Church; and
WHEREAS, Ed was hired by Continental Can Company in the Research and Development Division as a research technician as the only technician hired based solely on his High School Technical training; and
WHEREAS, Ed retired from Continental Can Company after 22 years where he eventually ascended to facilities manager; and
WHEREAS, In 1973 Ed founded the Teddy Bear Day Camp "Teddy Bear," and with the help of his entire family the business has grown to six locations which serve thousands of children for the last 47 years; and
WHEREAS, Teddy Bear has been an avid supporter of Gage Park and surrounding communities sponsoring the Gage Park baseball league for several years; and
WHEREAS, Ed has served his alma mater, St. Rita High School as an officer ofthe Fathers Club, a member of the Valentine Dinner Dance Committee, and is a member of the St. Rita High School Board of Directors since 1986.; and
WHEREAS, Ed was involved with the acquisition of St. Rita's new campus in 1990 and has been a major benefactor and loyal supporter of St. Rita High School for many years; and
WHEREAS, Ed has been an outstanding citizen and supporter to the Gage Park area and surrounding communities through his business, Teddy Bear by contributing thousands of dollars to families in need through services and donations to non-for-profits; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Edward J. Schmit Jr. imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, assembled this Ninth day of September, 2020, do hereby commemorate Edward j. Schmit Jr. for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Edward J. Schmit Jr.
Edward M. Burke Alderman> 14th Ward