The Honorable Emil "Bud" J Coglianese

The Honorable Emil J. “Bud” Coglianese, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
He was the beloved husband of Judith Ann Coglianese (née Hausman); loving father of Lisa (Timothy) Janeway and Cheryl (Bradley) Freburg; proud grandfather of Tim (Katie) Janeway, Jessica (Davide) Curletti, and Hana Freburg; cherished great-grandfather of Wells Janeway and Callahan and Pierce Curletti; dear brother of Dr. James (Judith)Coglianese. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Coglianese, and his parents, Dr. Emil Coglianese and Elizabeth Coglianese. He is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.
Bud lived a remarkable life defined by service, leadership, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to his family, his profession, and the communities he loved.  A licensed funeral director, Bud dedicated his professional life to serving families through Coglianese Funeral Home, providing comfort, compassion, and dignity during some of life’s most difficult moments. He believed deeply in caring for others.
Known as The Honorable Emil “Bud” Coglianese during his years of public service, Bud proudly served as President of the Village of Burr Ridge. He devoted much of his life to the growth and success of the community he was proud to call home. Bud believed that a village was more than buildings and streets; it was the people, businesses, families, and friendships that made it special.
Through his leadership and vision, Bud helped shape the future of Burr Ridge. He worked to preserve large-lot zoning, brought Lake Michigan water to the community, helped bring businesses and new opportunities to Burr Ridge, brought cable television to the village, and organized and played an important role in the development of the Burr Ridge Village Hall. He also helped modernize the community through initiatives such as bringing Volvo police cars to the Burr Ridge Police Department. He had a unique ability to bring people together, connect ideas, and help turn visions into reality.
Bud termed Burr Ridge “a special place,” and those words reflected the pride and commitment he carried for the village throughout his life. His dedication helped create the community that so many people are proud to call home.
Bud’s dedication to service extended throughout his entire life. An Eagle Scout himself, he embraced the values of leadership, responsibility, and service to others from an early age. He carried those values throughout his life and into everything he did. He was actively involved in many organizations, including the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Sertoma, Knights of Columbus, and the Willowbrook Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce. He also devoted 25 years of service to the Still Missed program at Hinsdale Hospital, offering compassion and support to families during times of loss.
Some of Bud’s greatest joys came from the community celebrations where he could bring people together. Through events such as Cruisin 66 Festival, including the years he proudly ran the beer tent, Bud created friendships, memories, and connections that reflected the community spirit he valued so deeply.
While Bud accomplished much in his professional and civic life, his greatest pride was always his family. He cherished his life with Judy and the family they created together. In their younger years, Bud and Judy traveled throughout the United States with their daughters in their StarCraft camper, creating adventures and memories that became treasured family stories.
One of Bud’s most treasured places was the family lake house at Lake James in Angola, Indiana. The lake was where Bud found some of his greatest happiness, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying time together on the water aboard his beloved Chris-Craft boat. Those days at the lake became some of the most meaningful memories for the family he loved so deeply.
Bud Coglianese will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, community leader, friend and his quick wit sense of humor.
His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the friendships he created, the families he served, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable life. He was truly a legend.   

A visitation will be held on Wednesday July 22, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will gather on Thursday July 23, 2026 for a 10am Funeral Mass at St Isaac Jogues Church, 4th and Clay St, Hinsdale, IL 60521. Interment will follow at Bronswood Cemetery.

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