Vince Demuzio

Who was Vince Demuzio?

Vince Demuzio was an Illinois State Senator who died while in office. He was first elected in 1974 in an upset against Senator Junie Bartulis. At the time of his death, he was the most senior member of the Illinois Senate. He had once been chair of the Illinois Democratic Party.

Demuzio died after a battle with colon cancer which included surgery in early 2004. Demuzio resided in Carlinville, Illinois, and after his death, his seat was filled by wife Deanna Demuzio. A section of I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois is named after him. His protege Andy Manar was elected to the state senate in 2012.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was late to Demuzio's funeral, so in his stead Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn presented a flag to Deanna Demuzio.