Although it started almost accidentally, John Crivellone’s path to the Cook County Public Defender’s Office has resulted in a successful and fulfilling 16-year career as an investigator. “The best part of my job is the people and staff that I work with. The Cook County Public Defender’s administration goes out of their way to make sure that I have everything that I need to do my job to its fullest,” he says. “They go above and beyond what I have expected of any organization. Even if I am having issues in my personal life, they are there for me and ask me how they can help.”

Crivellone was born in the Italian enclave around 26th and Wells streets in Chicago. He grew up farther south, near 83rd Street and Kenneth Avenue, but often visited his grandparents and other relatives in the old neighborhood. His father’s family hailed from the town of Cantalupo, near Naples, while his mother’s family was from Sicily.