Irwin Chaikin

October 25th, 2020

The Chaikin’s were family friends since before I was born.
My Mother and Father, Joni & Martin Schlossberg as well as my Step Father Albert Gorchoff were both close with Chick and Carol…(I’m not quite sure how that happened or maybe just coincidence).
Some years ago, I was ‘on the rocks’ as they say and was having a difficult time making ends meet.
Albert had mentioned my situation to Chick and the next thing I knew, Chick invited me with his simple request: “Get your butt over here and let’s have a talk”
I recall spending a rainy afternoon with him at their place in Boca and we sat a talked (well, mostly Chick) about my job history and my future prospects.
He asked me not to focus on my past failures but rather prepare myself for my future.
He recognized a pattern I had in my almost 3 decades being a retail manager and maxing out my promotions. (I was a devoted worker who climbed up through national chains from entry level positions to the store manager and even district supervisor….all with little reward)
He gave me his best advice and even had me back a few weeks later for some follow up, and even after that with a few phone calls.
Although I didn’t exactly follow through with his advice verbatim and the contacts he offered (I was never really a suit and tie kind of corporate guy) I did apply his wisdom to planning my future a bit more carefully and not just accepting any job offer that came to me.
I’m pleased to say that all these years later, I’m financially stable, and more importantly, happy with what I do.
Much of that is due in part to people like Chick who believed in me and liked me….long after many others became frustrated with my spinning in circles for decades.
Chick was kind to me and also brutally honest and didn’t pull any punches…..he just wanted to see me succeed.
My condolences to Carol and the Chaikin Family, I recall playing with Scott and Toni a lifetime ago when we were kids.

‘Boca’ Brian Schlossberg, YaHeyDer(at AOL ‘dot’ Com)

~Brian Schlossberg
~Family Friend, Highland Park Il – Boca Raton FL

September 28th, 2020

I did not know Irwin very well but
i know he was a very special
person!! Rest in peace❤️🙏

~Gloria leverence
~friend, Chicago

September 27th, 2020

Chick,

María and I are grateful to have known you and Carol, you a great friend and I appreciate your leadership.

You will always have a place in our hearts.

With great love,

Frank and Maria Delatorre

~Frank Delatorre
~Friend, Crystal Lake, IL

September 26th, 2020

What started as a business relationship became a true friendship. Chick was so generous with helping me out over the 40 years of knowing each other. Sandra and I were great admirers of Chick and Carol and thoroughly enjoyed their company over the years. We count ourselves lucky to have known this great man.

~Randy & Sandra Harris
~Friends, Arlington Heights IL

September 26th, 2020

My deepest condolences .
Barbara Spector

~Barbara Spector
~Friend, Buffalo Grove IL

September 26th, 2020

Dear Carol,
I just learned of Chick’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have fond memories of your years together.
Fondly,
Nancy Reinberg

~Nancy Reinberg
~Friend, Highland Park

September 25th, 2020

Dear Carol and Family,
Your loss is immeasurable and I ache for each of you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.

I knew that Chick adored me (that is how he made each of us feel) and I loved him to pieces. We moved in to Chantilly almost 43 years ago and he has been my protector, guardian, go to friend for everything.

With you, Carol, by his side, his life was full, happy, and complete. You were a team like no other and I adore both of you.

Of course, Chick will be sorely missed but he left an indelible mark on each of us that will carry us through these difficult times as well as the good ones.

You know my heart is with you. I hope that each of you will be comforted, in time, by the immense joys you brought into his life.

Fondly,
Judy

~judy isenberg
~fortunate friend, highland park, il

September 24th, 2020

I am very saddened to hear about Chick’s passing. I’ve known him my entire life. We spent many nice times together… visiting camp Kawaga together, days on my dad’s boat, dinners in Florida. Chick was a top notch guy molded from the old days. A hard worker and good friend. He was always full of warmth when I saw him. To Carol and family, may Chick’s memory be a blessing to all. With love, Jeff Lazarus

~Jeff Lazarus
~Friend, Deerfield, IL

September 24th, 2020

Could you ask for a better photo of the four most awesome people?!

~Celia Balson

September 24th, 2020

Ben and I were so blessed to have had Chickie sign our Ketubah. Chick was an incredible person who I know was so special to Ben and I am so incredibly fortunate to have met and have had the opportunity to create a special bond with. We love you Carol!

-Celia and Ben

~The Balson’s
~Friend, Chicago, IL