Nicholas Anthony Bilandic

Nicholas Anthony Bilandic 1927 – 2022  

Nicholas Anthony Bilandic, 94, died at his home in Evanston on March 7.  A Structural Engineer and graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Nick was retired as the Director of Structural Engineering and Associate Partner at the architectural/engineering firm of Holabird & Root. Over a long career, he worked on a wide variety of projects such as the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago and the Northwestern University Sports and Aquatic Center and the Chandler Building adaptive reuse in Evanston.   Friend and architect Walker C. Johnson writes: “Nick Bilandic was an excellent structural engineer with a unique aesthetic sense which magnified his skill. Whether the project was a new building or restoration of a landmark, his solutions always enhanced the design goals of the architectural engineering team.”  Actively participating in many professional activities, Nick was a president of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), a member of the Chicago Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Building Code and a long-time member of the Chicago Committee on Standards & Tests.  He wrote many technical papers and received the American Institute of Steel Construction Citation Award in 1984 and The Structural Engineers Association of Illinois 1985 John F. Parmer Award.   Nick’s wife Janet says that Nick absolutely loved the profession of engineering, providing extensive pro bono services to St. Jerome Croatian Catholic and Nativity of Our Lord churches in Bridgeport, St. Nicholas Church of Evanston, Deborah’s Place, and the Salvation Army’s Advisory Council, among others.  He served on the Evanston Hospital Neighbor Liaison Committee, Evanston Civil Service Commission, and as a Trustee of the Evanston History Center.  Nick was a calm, steady influence and inspiration to the people with whom he lived and worked. He was a wonderful, charming soul always interested in and curious about others.  Modest, tolerant, patient, and very private; when asked how old he was, Nick would always answer, “younger than springtime.” Nick previously lost his sister Eleanore, and brothers Michael and Stephan.  Today he leaves behind his wife, Janet, and a large loving, blended family of two sisters-in-law, children, grandchildren, a great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.  He was “Grandpa Nick.”  A Memorial Mass for Nick will be held 11:00 AM, May 20th, at St. Nicholas Church, Evanston. Arrangements entrusted to Dalcamo Funeral Home. www.dalcamofuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.

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