Stuart J. Perlik MD JD

April 8th, 2026

Dr. Stuart Perlik was a truly legendary physician whose extraordinary career blended clinical excellence, scholarly contribution, educational devotion, and committed leadership. We will remember him as a supportive mentor, trusted collaborator, and warm friend who advocated tirelessly for patients, trainees, and colleagues, exemplifying the rare combination of clinician, educator, leader, and humanist in medicine. I will always remember Dr. Perlik not just for his towering intellect, but for the amazing person he was: An approachable man sitting in the intraoperative monitoring room, surrounded by monitors, where he would quietly sit with a ripe plum in hand, no socks, and his distinctive hat on his head, lending a calm normalcy to a high stakes environment. He was someone I could always ask a question, where he would answer with patient clarity and a gentle smile, turning complex explanations into teachable moments and making everyone feel that no question was too small; that accessible presence, more than any title or paper, is the image of him I carry: brilliant, composed, and always approachable.

~Stephen VanHaerents
~colleague, Chicago, IL

April 7th, 2026

Stuart will always be remembered as a thoughtful mentor for me since I have been at the VA. I will appreciate his teaching and pass those lessons on to our neurology residents

~KURIAN THOMAS
~Colleague, Chicago

April 7th, 2026

I had the pleasure of working along side Stuart from the start in my career in 2009, at the VA. He was an intelligent, caring, and thoughtful physician and colleague, he contributed so much to the care of those who served our country.

~Brandon Barton
~Work Colleague, Chicago, IL

April 7th, 2026

We have wonderful memories of visiting with Stuart at Alan and Rita’s home and pool. Tony and I loved our philosophical discussions whether they were about the world, Israel or medicine, Stuart was brilliant, kind and generous. May his memory be a blessing.

~Ellen & Tony Marinelli
~Friend, Glenview, IL

April 6th, 2026

We will miss Stuart deeply. We spent our summers together reminiscing, sharing humorous stories, intellectualizing over current affairs and watching him float around the pool as relaxed and peaceful as could be. We shared the good times and the bad times with him over the years. He was a wonderful relative and an even better friend! He will always be in our hearts and prayers.

~Alan & Rita Levin
~Cousins, Glenview, IL

April 6th, 2026

When my mother was hospitalized Stewart visited her often. My mom was always very fond of Stewart

~Randy Weinberg
~Cousin, Libertyville