Stuart is one of those special people who connects to everyone he knows.
Whether it's a bond with his brothers, visits to nieces and nephews, time in Temple, notes to relatives, or just talking to those he meets all over Chicago...Stuart makes connections. And moreover, he makes people feel loved and appreciated. Monthly, weekly, and sometimes daily newspaper clippings are sent out to those who may find interest in them. Stuart remembers every single thing someone says, and then will send that person any related article or picture he finds in a newspaper or magazine. I often find myself not sharing as much about my latest interests with Uncle Stuart because I may receive years of clippings about a band I just discovered or a passing interest I had in film.
Stuart is selfless, always considering everyone else and often not adding himself into the equation. He thinks about others, and what they need, and then does everything in his power to meet those needs. Whether it’s bringing fruit to a celebration, Halva bars as a summer treat for a visiting nephew, or paying for entire meals, Stuart always makes sure people are fed and comfortable. He is never not available to help those who need it. No act of kindness is too small for Stuart. After being a charity runner in the Chicago Marathon, Stuart offered to donate enough for me to run again the next year...I had to constantly decline because I really didn’t want to train for another marathon...but Stuart offered constantly nonetheless. Whether it is a bag of toys for children, random t shirts from different conventions, making a trip to Virginia for Thanksgiving, planting a tree in memory of someone, or making a donation to a cause you support….Stuart cares about everyone and will go through endless lengths to show it.
Stuart is Chicago. There is no form of transportation that is unknown to Stuart, as the city was his playground, his laboratory, his work space, his escape, and his friend. Riding the L with Stuart quickly becomes a history lesson on the various buildings and parts of the city that you pass by. Water fountains, restaurants, ice cream treats, record stores, back door entrances...there was no place in Chicago Stuart has not explored. Often he uses the infamous Chicago Shuffle to gain entrance to exclusive events, shows, museums, and conventions. Trying to keep up with his Orelove stride throughout the city streets was nearly impossible at times. Stuart loves Chicago. It is his pulse.
Stuart loves art, music, and sports. From the Chicago Symphony, to folk songs on the North Side, and Buddy Guy on the South Side... all music was known to Stuart’s ears. Botanical gardens, art galleries, and museums both large and small are continuously taken in when one is with Stuart. He fanatically follows his Cubs, White Sox, Bears, and Bulls...at least until they are eliminated from contention, then the season is over for Stuart. Stuart always makes sure there are enough tickets for everyone who wishes to attend.
Stuart is devoted to Judaism. The only thing Stuart dedicates his life to more than others is his service to God and Judaism. Every holiday is celebrated and every event is sacred. Lights, flashlights, glow in the dark t shirts, and chocolate gelt on Hanukkah, The Sabbath is holy. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs will find Stuart in the crowd, and the first to yell Mazel Tov. Stuart serves God.
Stuart is a selfless, caring, generous, and beautiful and complex spirit. He loves his family and friends. We are all lucky enough to know a side of Stuart but no one will ever know all of Stuart. Trying to summarize Uncle Stuart is like trying to hold water, in that his form is always changing and moving, and flows at depths well beyond our reach. I hope that everyone will take time to simply think about their memories, experiences, and stories of Stuart. He is the definition of empathy and caring. May his memory be a blessing, and his life an inspiration for all of us to be better with the time we have on this Earth.
