Niles Councilman Jim DePasquale dies

Longtime city official remembered, mourned following suspected heart attack at age 68

NILES -- City Councilman Jim DePasquale died suddenly Wednesday night of a presumed heart attack at the age of 68.

His city colleagues are mourning his loss. Several said he always acted with good intentions and was dedicated to the Niles community, of which he was a part since his childhood.

Council President Bob Marino, who worked with DePasquale for many years, said he will remember DePasquale as someone who always did what he thought was best and stood by his convictions.

He was elected as council member at-Large in 2021. His term began Jan 1 and will expire Dec. 31, 2023.

DePasquale graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1972, then began working for the city of Niles in 1973. He held various positions, including laborer, park foreman and light department truck operator. He was the capital improvement inspector and project manager for the city's engineering department when he retired in July 2003.

He was then the city's service director from January 2016 to February 2017.

"My time serving with him on council has reinstated my belief in his dedication to public service," Marino said. "He was very committed to being citizen-oriented and finding consensus whenever possible."

Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz and Marino said their condolences go out to the friends and family of DePasquale.

Services are pending at Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles.