Earl Glass

Service : Wednesday, July 1st at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

Temple Beth-El
3610 Dundee Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Wednesday following the
service until 8:30 PM
Thursday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Contributions
Parkinson’s Foundation
http://www.parkinson.org
or
Jewish National Fund
http://www.jnf.org

Earl J. Glass, 87, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. Born on November 6, 1938, Earl was a proud native of Chicago, while also loving his Florida-Solivita lifestyle with a multitude of friends.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Merle Glass, who was his constant companion, partner, and best friend throughout a lifetime of shared adventures. Together they raised two children of whom he was immensely proud: his son, Joel Glass (Robyn), and his daughter, Jill Weininger (Bruce). Earl was a devoted and doting grandfather to four grandchildren: Jordan Weininger (Tara Saley), Gabe Weininger (Alex Bourdillion), Max Glass, and Madeline Glass. His family was the center of his world, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones, offer his wisdom, or share a story that made everyone laugh.

A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Earl combined a sharp intellect with a boundless imagination. Before beginning his professional career, he served his country as a member of the United States Navy.

Earl enjoyed a decorated and influential career in advertising, where his creative vision left a lasting imprint on American culture. He worked primarily at Leo Burnett as a creative director, contributing to major national campaigns for brands such as McDonald’s and Marlboro. He was credited with naming the iconic Big Mac, while he and his team developed McDonald’s characters, including the famously mischievous “Evil Grimace,” blending humor and imagination in ways that delighted audiences for generations. He also created some of the most iconic photographs of the American West while working on the Marlboro account. Many of his stories from those years are archived in the Smithsonian.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Earl had a rich and fulfilling life anchored in his passions and curiosities. He loved sports and followed them with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail that he brought to his work. An admirer and student of art, he appreciated creativity in all its forms, whether in a gallery, on a billboard, or in a simple sketch. He was always working on an art project, or five, with pursuits ranging from building models to photography to painting to collages.

He also loved traveling with Merle, family, and friends, exploring new places, cultures, and experiences that broadened his world and deepened his appreciation for life. Those who knew Earl will remember his quick wit, his storyteller’s charm, his generous spirit, and his unwavering devotion to his family. Earl’s legacy lives on in the family who adored him, the colleagues and friends who admired him, and the countless everyday moments and iconic images he helped create. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Donations in memoriam can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation: www.parkinson.org or Jewish National Fund at jnf.org.

Chapel service, Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 2:30 PM CDT. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalomemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.