A Final tribute to Mayor Irwin Bock

March 15, 2006

Return to the News Index

Mayor Irwin A. Bock
May 3, 1940 - March 9, 2006

Mayor Irwin Bock was a rare individual who motivated everyone who met him throughout his 65 years. His death on March 9, 2006, saddened many hearts he touched, especially those here at the Save A Life Foundation.   

For virtually a lifetime, Bock was a pillar in his community, Hanover Park, Illinois and country by keeping the welfare of the people his first priority.  Throughout his military career of 37 years, his political career, which began in 1983 and ultimately resulted in being elected as Village President in 1997, Bock’s ambition was to make his community a safe haven.

This became even more apparent when he became SALF’s Vice President of Operations in 2000.  Soon after 9-11, Bock and Palatine, Illinois Mayor Rita Mullins presented SALF to the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, DC, “No city has enough emergency personnel to aid the injured or ill in a time of a disaster,” Bock stated.  Both noted, the important role the bystander plays in responding to emergencies and urged all Mayors to support Save a Life Foundation activities in their municipalities. U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001

Soon after, Bock stepped up his momentum to emergency prepare his community and surrounding communities, by encouraging Alexian Brothers Health network in Schaumberg, Illinois to form a partnership with SALF to train the masses, of which he became the Branch Executive Director in 2003.  “We want to train 50,000 children in life saving techniques across the northwest suburbs free of charge over the next five years, to save lives," Bock said. Hanover Park Examiner, May 19, 2004

Hon. Bock, a graduate of Loop Jr. College, Chicago, a member of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, a Chicago police officer, and a Crew Chief for the Hanover Park Fire Department will be remembered for his grace, dignity and decades of accomplishments.  Mayors statewide and nationally will always remember Honorable Bock’s commitment to empower citizens, starting with children, with life saving skills.

“Our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Hanover Park Village Mayor Bock.”  “Irv was my friend and confidante and a valued leader whose character was strengthened by his lovely wife, also named Carol.” To know him was to know a generous humanitarian who brightened the hearts of many,” said Carol Spizzirri, Pres/Founder SALF.  

“We will miss him, but are assured he’ll continue promoting SALF from the other side.” She continued. “Good-bye for now Irv.”