Mr. “B” – as Steve’s group of friends affectionately addressed him – was not only a dedicated father and husband, but also a superb role model for all who knew him. He was a very generous man who treated us during our junior high, high school and college years regularly with ice cream treats or hitting free golf balls at his old driving range in Countryside.

Mr. B was also a very active man and enjoyed playing sports with his sons and their friends well into his 50’s. He was a talented all around athlete with special abilities to use that sharpened elbow and ample back end while playing pick-up basketball.

Mr. B also was a very successful businessman; beginning his career as a salesman in the difficult and highly competitive life insurance industry, and culminating with the ownership of his own company. His sparkling personality and good-nature attitude was always on display, which served as a magnetic draw to all who met him, and strongly influenced who I became in my own sales career

Mr. B was always there for anyone that needed help in any way whether it was financial or simply offering some sound advice. When I was much younger, Mr. B assisted me by writing references for academic scholarships or job opportunities. It’s no wonder that he was loved and admired by all
who had the pleasure to meet and know this great man.

I will miss his smile, his infectious laugh, and his fatherly guidance and counseling. We have lost (at least on this earth) a wonderful and compassionate husband, father, and friend.

Wes Jaros

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mr.& Mrs B., Steve and Tony since moving onto their block in Riverside at age 5. Since Steve and I attended the same schools since kindergarten, Mr. B was always active and present with our group. Whether it was teaching us to punt a football, acting as the score and timekeeper (and sometimes fill-in player) at our basketball games, introducing us to cute girls at his driving range, or taking us fishing to Lake Wisconsin, he was very involved in our lives growing up. Mr, B was always a welcoming, smiling, upbeat and encouraging person, and was like a second father or favorite uncle to us all. Amidst so many wonderful memories, I’ll share a couple examples of his great loyalty, generosity and support. When my mother passed away, he was there at our kitchen table writing out a check for my brother and myself. As a young and inexperienced Little League umpire making a controversial call, he sprang to my defense when confronted with angry coaches and parents. After college and marriage, he provided help and guidance to my wife and myself regarding our insurance needs. While we will miss him dearly, it has been our great privilege to have known him for so many years. Heaven is welcoming you Mr. B, and God bless!

Larry Weber

Hi Steve,
My condolences to you and your family. Mary Lou and I were planning to come pay our respects today, however her 92 year old mother who broke her hip and multiple breaks to her femur last week was transferred late this afternoon from hospital to rehab.
Mr. B was a great guy and I’m sure a great father. I especially remember him at many of our b-ball games joining in pick-up games or cheering us on during league games. He even got me home once after I badly sprained an ankle in one of those games. He was a good guy!