On Sunday, July 24, Ed Zasadil and Larry Simpson were joined in a civil union, performed at the couple’s home by the Rev. Jeffrey Carlson, associate pastor of St. Pauls United Church of Christ, Chicago. Guests included Joe JaQuay (partner of Pastor Jeff), Jim Darby and Patrick Bova. Jim and Patrick were the first couple to be united in a civil union in Chicago’s public ceremony, held June 2 in Millennium Park.
At Ed and Larry’s union ceremony, there was a celebration with flowing champagne and other libations. Later, the couple and their guests went to the nearby Casbah Café for a dinner of Mediterranean cuisine.
After 49 years of friendship, it was a joyous day for Ed and Larry to be legally united as a couple.
Ed and Larry also hosted the social hour following the Sunday morning service at St. Pauls Church, July 31, furnishing several cakes and champagne. Ed’s second cousin, Jeanne Zasadil, presided over the cake table, while Ed and Larry poured Sekt, which is a German sparkling wine.