Obituary

Stuart Gerald Ferst, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025 at the age of 86. Known for his sharp wit and unforgettable personality, Stuart approached life with humor, authenticity, and a touch of delightful contrarianism. He proudly shared photos of his family at every opportunity, disliked bottled water on principle, and maintained a long-standing rivalry with physical exercise-much to the amusement of those who loved him. Stuart devoted more than five decades of his life to empowering people with disabilities. His legacy is most profoundly defined by his 35 years of service to the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center in Chicago, including 21 years as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the organization grew into one of the largest and most respected nonprofit human service providers in Illinois, serving thousands of individuals and families annually with programs spanning education, vocational training, community living, clinical services, and behavioral health support. He was admired throughout Chicagoland’s nonprofit community for his strategic vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to dignity, advocacy, and access for all. Stuart is survived by his wife Judith, his children Stephen (Beth) and Stephanie (David), his brother Barry (Louise), his cherished grandchildren Tess (Jenny), Alexa, and Jack, and family and friends who carry forward his values of compassion, curiosity, and service. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Chapel service Monday, January 5, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Monday, January 5th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights

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January 5th, 2026

ברוך  דיין האמת
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

Sincerest heartfelt condolences to all of your family💗
Keeping you all close in thoughts and prayers💗

Stuart’s dedication, compassion, kindheartedness, advocacy, integrity, strategic compass, wisdom and understanding were paramount.
Stuart’s wit, humor, candor, clarity of direction and steadfast persistence brought levity, hope and so many hopes and dreams to fruition.
Stuart made himself accessible to ideas, concerns and pride in accomplishments all throughout the agency.
Stuart seemed to always make sure he was truly present and interactive whether at an important meeting, a special event, or just walking through on his way to his next engagement.
I will always deeply appreciate Stuart’s leadership and mentorship and am ever grateful for my 33 years working at Anixter Center.

May Stuart’s memory and legacy truly forever be for so many blessings 💗

~Sheryl B. Hipps
~Colleague from Anixter Center, West Hartford, Connecticut

January 4th, 2026

Though it wasn’t that long ago, when we first shook hands both Stuart and I knew we would be good friends. He taught me about suspenders and I taught him about number painting. He was quirky, quiet and caring. It’s hard enough to lose a friend. It’s really hard to lose a Stuart.

~Dr. Bailey Jacobson
~Friend, Deerfield, Illinois

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HONORING LIFE. CHERISHING MEMORY. ®