Former Harwood Heights Mayor Norbert Pabich Dies In Fall

HARWOOD HEIGHTS, Ill. (CBS) -- A former Harwood Heights mayor died early Sunday from head injuries suffered after a fall down the basement stairs in his home.

Norbert Pabich, 61, served as mayor of the near northwest suburb from 2001-05.

"Norbert was a people person and would help anybody," his wife, Karen, said. "He was involved with the Harwood Heights Youth Commission and his biggest accomplishment was the Harwood Heights Youth Baseball program."

Mr. Pabich never regained consciousness after being transported Nov. 16 to Resurrection Medical Center.

He died at 12:47 a.m. Sunday.

"He wasn't ill or anything," Karen Pabich said. "He was just going to the basement and fell down the stairs."

A physical education teacher at Nichols Middle School in Evanston for more than 30 years, Mr. Norbert and his wife have an adult son and daughter, and four grandchildren.

"It's always a sad day when someone involved in the community passes away," Mark Dobrzycki, a Harwood Heights trustee, said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)