Steven Adler

Steven “Stevie” Burton Adler, age 79, of Rogers Park, Chicago, passed away on December 16th at Birchwood Plaza Nursing Home. Stevie was born on January 9, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Leonard Adler and Marian (Adler) Levitan. A loving son and lifelong Chicagoan, he spent more than 60 years in the Rogers Park neighborhood, first on W. Sherwin with his father and stepmother, Lillian Adler, and in later years at Birchwood Plaza. Despite his lifelong developmental disability, Stevie nevertheless carried a radiant, positive outlook that endeared him to everyone who knew him. For many years, he worked alongside his father at Leonard Adler and Company in the State & Lake Building, delivering furrier supplies throughout downtown Chicago. He took delight in the simple joys in life — old movies (with a particular fondness for the Three Stooges), stuffed animals, colorful pens, and his beloved Pez dispensers. Stevie’s hallmark was his bright personality, sporting the biggest smile in the room, and a ready stream of jokes and corny puns that brought laughter to family and friends. In recent years, Stevie created wonderful family memories with his brothers and in-laws during trips to Boston and Los Angeles. In later years, after a series of small strokes left him with limited speech and mobility, Stevie still retained that unmistakable twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his presence. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Stevie is survived by his brothers, Barry Adler (Elinor) of Wayland, MA, and Robert Levitan (Catherine) of Los Angeles, CA; his stepsister, Renee (Ronald) Emmons of Florence, OR, and his nephew, Keith Freyman (Julie), of Thousand Oaks, CA; his nieces and nephews Teri and James Adler, and Allison, Peter, and Bobby Levitan; his grand-nieces, grand-nephew, and many cousins who adored him. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Birchwood Plaza for their compassionate care and kindness in Stevie’s final years and especially to Julie Iverson, Stevie’s healthcare advocate, for her devotion, dedicated commitment, and love. There will be no public service, visitation, or burial. Memorials in Stevie’s memory may be made in his name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Steven Adler

January 9, 1946 - December 16, 2025