Michel Ifergan

Service : Monday, February 16th at 5:00 pm
Service Location: Memorial Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Shiva Information

Private shiva.

Contributions
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Michel’s memory
may make a monetary donation to Gabriela Ifergan at
https://venmo.com/u/Gabriela-Ifergan.

Michel Ifergan, lovingly known as “Binzo,” “Popz,” “Papa,” “Jean Michel,” “Toto,” “Papy” and “Mick,” passed away peacefully on February 12, on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by his devoted family. In his final moments, songs were sung as a guitar was played, a fitting tribute to a man whose life was a melody of love, laughter, and light.

Born on July 1, 1945, in Casablanca, Morocco, Michel lived a life defined by joy, creativity, and connection. From France to Chicago, Mexico, Florida, and California, every place he called home was brighter because he was in it. No matter where he lived, he created community, making friends feel like family and family feel endlessly cherished.

Michel was a true artist in every sense. In his youth, he played in a band, sharing his love of music with the world. By trade, he was a talented hairstylist, but his real craft was creating joy. With a guitar in hand and a joke ready in three languages, French, English, and Spanish, he had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome, seen, and at home. His warmth was magnetic; his laughter unforgettable.

He was a loving husband to his wife, Gabriela; the beloved father of David, Laurence, Jonathan, and Tohm; and a proud and adoring grandfather to Julien, Amelie, and Remi. He was also a cherished brother of Bruno, Joss, Charles, and Laurice. Gabriela shared that throughout their life together, they always had fun, he was always happy, always made her laugh, and was a truly noble man.

To his children, he was their greatest champion, their compass, their protector, their biggest supporter, and their best friend. Even in illness, he shielded those he loved from pain, continuing to sing and play guitar, filling their hearts with comfort and strength. His energy made it easy to forget the passage of time.

Michel did not simply move through life; he illuminated it. He leaves behind a legacy of music, humor, generosity, and unconditional love. The sunshine he brought into this world will live on in every song, every laugh, and every gathering where someone picks up a guitar and begins to sing.

Memorial service Monday, 5:00 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For donation information and a link to view the service, please visit www.shalommemorial.org