Donald E. Tolva, attorney at law and real estate developer, passed away on October 9, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer in Chicago, IL.  He leaves behind his loving wife, Beth of 47 years; son John (Robyn), daughter Lisa  Friedlander (Michael) and son Michael.  He will always be remembered with great fondness by his five pride and joys, grandchildren Nathan, Andrew and Charlotte Tolva and Jackson and Adeline Friedlander. Donald, being born and raised in Chicago, was a true lover of this city.  Even though in his later years he chose to live in the country (Galena, IL) in his heart he was always a Chicagoan. He was preceded in death by his Mother Catherine Oprishko, Fathers Edward Tolva and John Oprishko, and brother Bill. He was a graduate of St George High School, Marquette University and Loyola Law School.  Upon graduation from law school he completed an internship with the Illinois Legislature and worked closely with Sen. Russell Arrington.  His interest in government continued throughout his life. He was a partner in the Law firm of Martin, Craig, Chester and Sonnenschein until 1980 when he founded BHC Company, a real estate and development company.  He was responsible for many of the single family housing developments in Chicago as well as multi residential communities in several states.  He went on to form The Store House Company which specialized in the development and management of self storage.  At the time of his death, he was also heading a new venture, City Storage, which provided individual high quality storage in apartment and condominium buildings.  Donald was a valuable member of several boards. He was a real cowboy at heart and loved riding and competing on horseback.  He received a number of awards for his performances in competitions in the sport of "reining." Nothing was more relaxing for him than a nice long ride on one of his favorite retired reining horses. But what he enjoyed most in life was anything that involved his precious family.  Like the true Italian gentleman that he was, family came first and meant the world to him.  He could always be counted on by his family whenever they needed him.  What a special gift he was to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Memorial visitation Sunday 4-8 p.m.  Memorial mass Monday 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Church.  Inurnment Graceland Cemetery. Info 773-588-5850 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Donald Tolva at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago Medicine" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, Donald E. Tolva Fund, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615. You may also direct individuals to make a gift online using the following instructions: ·         Visit our website: https://givetomedicine.uchicago.edu ·         Click on "Give" in the upper right-hand corner ·         In the "special instructions" window, individuals can enter "Donald E. Tolva Fund"