J. Stern Obituary

Stern, J. Allyson

J. Allyson Stern, age 84, of Wilmette, IL. Beloved husband of Carol Simpson Stern, father of Jeff McDonald (Maria Kjellberg), brother of Bernard (Audrey) and brother-in-law of Barbara Flynn Waller (Stan) and the late Rupert Simpson (Laura Wenke). Others mourning his loss include nieces Mary Kathleen Flynn, Krista Flynn Burgeson (Brian) and Kristie Stein (Curt), and nephews, grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. J. was born on June 14, 1938, in New York City to parents Esther (nee Reichek) and Max Stern. The family later moved to Chicago. J. had a larger-than-life personality and a fierce intellect. He attended the University of Chicago's Committee on Social Thought graduate program. It was at the U of C that he met his beloved wife Carol, whom he married in 1963 (after his first marriage ended in divorce). It was also at the U of C that J. met author Saul Bellow, who used J. as the basis of the character of Lionel Pfeffer in his novel, Mr. Sammler's Planet. On the professional front, in the 1960s, J. owned Toad Hall, a popular "hi-fi" store in Hyde Park, on Chicago Avenue, on Ontario Street, and in Wilmette's Plaza Del Lago. Throughout much of his career, J. was a private wealth manager and investor. Along with his wife Carol, J. was an avid collector and dealer of 20th century art, specializing in the works of well-known artists such as Alexander Calder, Victor Vasarely and Joan Miró, and also in Chicago favorites, especially Gertrude Abercrombie and Rainey Bennett. J. and Carol's love story was one for the ages. They were truly devoted to each other, and he was a big champion of her career as a Professor in the Department of Performance Studies in the School of Communication at Northwestern University. J. was very proud of Carol's many professional accomplishments, which included serving as the Chairperson of her department, Dean of the Graduate School, and president of the American Association of University Professors. After Carol's retirement in 2018, J. and Carol were inseparable. As his health declined over the last few years and months, his stoicism was remarkable. J. leaves behind many friends and family members who loved him dearly and appreciated his clever wit, undying loyalty, and amazing resilience. A memorial service will be held in the future. Donations in memory of J. Allyson Stern may be made to: Habitat for Humanity habitat.org/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">https://www.habitat.org/ or Greater Chicago Food Depository https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.

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