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Friends and family say goodbye to John Gianulis
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Candidate
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| Contributor | ev |
| Last Edited | ev Feb 12, 2010 12:00pm |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Friday, February 12, 2010 05:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Friends and family say goodbye to John Gianulis
John Marx, jmarx@qconline.com
Rock Island's St. George Greek Orthodox Church was filled with love, smiles and stories of days gone by this morning.
They talked of a man who had a wonderful relationship with God, loved his family and was dedicated to his work.
There was sadness in paying final respects to John Gianulis, the political icon who led Rock Island County Democrats for 40 years, building the party into a dominant political machine. However, there was solace in the number of people whose lives he touched in a positive way.
"Great man,'' U.S. Rep. Phil Hare (D-Rock Island) said before the service. "I am where I am because of him. You can say that about a lot of people.''
Mr. Gianulis began his political career in 1958 as a precinct committeeman in Andalusia. In June of 1968, he was elected Rock Island County Democratic Party chairman, succeeding David DeDoncker.
Mr. Gianulis was 87 when he died Tuesday at Amber Ridge Assisted Living in Moline. The Navy veteran -- who served in World War II and the Korean Conflict - was laid to rest at National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal.
Many of the driving forces of the Rock Island County Democratic Party were on hand Thursday to honor Mr. Gianulis and his service to his community.
Rep. Hare, former state representative Joel Brunsvold, former state senator Denny Jacobs, Rock Island County chairman Jim Bohnsack, Rock Island County State's Attorney Jeff Terronez, Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, East Moline Mayor John Thodos, Porter McNeil and George Skafidas, were among those who attended the 50-minute funeral service.
"You are judged by your relationship with God, your relationship with your family and your dedication to those you serve in your line of work,'' the Rev. Leo Gavrilos, a longtime friend of Mr. Gianulis, said in a heartfelt eulogy.
Standing next to the open, gray, flag-draped casket, Rev. Gavrilos talked glowingly of his frien |
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