Jack Greenberg Obituary

Greenberg, Jack beloved husband for 61 years to Alyce (nee Jacobs), dear father of Charles (Leah) Greenberg and Carol (Jeffrey) Lazar, loving grandfather of Beth (Scott) Sattler and Jennifer (Jeff) Schiamberg, great-grandfather of Asher, brother of Toby (Gerald) Fisher. Jack was a lifetime Chicagoan and joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in the 82nd Airborne. He spent 26 months in Europe during the 2nd War. Jack contracted Polio in 1955 and his career in the auto repair business came to an end. Jack was hospitalized for 9 months and it took nearly 5 years for him to get back to work. In 1960, Jack joined the Skokie Public Works Departent and worked proudly for the next 33 years. Jack was a master at his job. Snow storms, floods were when Jack manned the phones at Public Works and helped get the crews to the most troubled parts of town. He never lost his cool and was the guy who was handed the phone when the most frustrated citizens called. Jack started the first handicapped swim program in Chicago in 1957 at the High Ridge YMCA. It blossomed into a program that 100's of disabled people participated in and felt the freedom of the water. He spent over 25 years with the Conquerors Program as it was named and was YMCA Man of the Year and many other honors were bestowed on him. He was active in the management and operation of his condo association following his retirement. Jack once again calmed the nerves and got the job done without ever raising his voice. He was a hero to all who knew him and will be deeply missed by everyone especially Alyce, his heroine and wife of 62 years. Alyce's love and devotion showed through over 50 years of caring and assisting to his special needs. She put energy into their relationship. Her love, devotion, caring and personal attention helped Jack to survive and then thrive. He spent 54 years in a wheel chair and never complained. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the, Piser Funeral Chapel, 9200 N. Skokie Blvd. (at Church Street) Skokie. Interment Memorial Park Cemetey for information: Piser Funeral Service, 847-679-4740.