Edward Murnane

Edward D. Murnane passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Laurel (nee Steffes); children Michael (Melissa) Murnane, Terri (Rob) Otten, and Brian (Beth) Murnane; and eight grandchildren: Connor and Wyatt Murnane, Jack, Joey, and Matthew Marchiori, and Finnegan, Eleanor, and Maeve Murnane. He is also survived by sisters Eleanor Manley and Marguerite (Tom) Moran, as well as many nieces and nephews. After graduating from NIU, where he studied journalism and met Laurel, Ed worked at the Daily Herald, rising to the position of political editor before leaving to pursue a career in politics and government. He ran campaigns, served Presidents Reagan and Bush, and culminated his career as President of the Illinois Civil Justice League. Although proud of his career, Ed valued family and his Irish heritage most. He organized annual family picnics and documented the Murnane lineage in his book, It’s Not Such a Long Way to Tipperary. An avid White Sox fan, he shared his enthusiasm with his children and grandchildren. Ed is remembered for his dedication to his family, faith, and all the photographs he took.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dorothy (nee Vanosky) Murnane, brother Michael, and in-laws Leo and Millie Steffes.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 23, from 5PM to 8PM at Smith Corcoran Funeral Home, located at 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL.

The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 24, at 10AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 1201 East Anderson Drive, Palatine, IL.

Following the Mass, interment will take place at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine.