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11/15/03 11:32 PM: Charlie

I don’t know the details, but we lost one of our finest. I hate being at college when this sort of stuff happens because you feel so powerless to do anything.

I sat next to Charlie for 2 years in choir and on the way to Scotland. This kid was one of the most upstanding people I know. He would never let anyone down. He had the persona of a thug, but when it came down to it, he had too much of a big heart to be one. One day junoir year, he got a smoking ticket. I pulled out a twenty as a joke, and gave it to him as a loan with some insane interest. Everyone thought the money was as good as gone. A year later, he pulls me aside between class, gives me the money and says, “Don’t tell anyone. I can’t have my rep damaged.” Thats the kind of person he was. Thug on the outside, but one of the most loyal people I know.

Details are still coming in. If anyone knows anything about it post it on the comments. If anyone has any stories about him, feel free to share those too.

Chris Barr  News 

Comments made.

  1. chris

    I guess he was trying to break it up when someone broke out the gun. Charlie was the one that got hit.

    Nov 15, 11:34 PM

  2. chris

    Here is a better link.

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0311170182nov17,1,7098323.story?coll=chi-news-hed

    Nov 16, 09:21 AM

  3. Tom Wilmowski

    The police here are still trying to find out what exactly happened. I would see him on campus every now and then. He will certainly be missed. Here are some links:

    http://www.digmo.com/news/story.php?ID=4602

    http://www.showmenews.com/2003/Nov/20031117News001.asp



    Nov 16, 01:58 PM

  4. Dave

    Wow.

    I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know him that well, but I was in Casper’s humanities class with him and remember him well from trips to the city with the Chicago Cultural Society. I also gave him a ride home once. This is such a shock. I’m glad you mentioned it here Chris, so hopefully more people will know and remember him.

    Nov 16, 04:21 PM

  5. adrienne

    my friend nicki grimes IM’d me today about it. i’ve heard he was a really good kid and that some of the ex ho-flo people are really upset about it. this reminds me of when my best friend anne quinn passed away some time, in lots of respects that i don’t feel comfortable getting into here.

    Nov 16, 04:36 PM

  6. Parag

    I randomly check this website sometimes, and today I just happen to come across the news that Charlie Blondis is gone. I am absolutely shocked and saddened. He was indeed a really great guy; Chris’s description nailed it: he put on the “tough guy” appearance but deep down was friendly and compassionate. Although I didn’t stay in touch with him, I will definitely miss him.

    Nov 16, 09:26 PM

  7. Tom Wilmowski

    Police now think that Charlie did not know the shooter, and that the shooter aimed at Charlie.


    http://www.showmenews.com/2003/Nov/20031118News015.asp


    Nov 17, 01:46 PM

  8. Katie

    hey here are some links to more info about the whole shooting…
    http://www.themaneater.com/story.cgi?id=17652

    http://www.themaneater.com/story.cgi?id=17653

    and these are from his school newpaper

    http://www.digmo.com/obits/obit.php?ID=878

    http://www.digmo.com/news/story.php?ID=4602
    in case you wanted to know more aboutthe situation and loss

    Nov 19, 12:22 AM

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