Kenneth Fishbein

Kenneth “Dad, Poppy, Ken, Kenny” Fishbein, 79, of Northbrook, IL, unexpectedly passed away on October 4th. Born on March 5, 1945, in Chicago, Kenny was married to the late Debra (Dissen) Fishbein, the beloved son of the late Shirley and Mac Fishbein and the cherished younger brother of the late Steven Fishbein.

Kenny met the love of his life, Debbie, in the fall of 1959 during his sophomore year at Senn High School. Their first date on April 2, 1960, was the beginning of a lifelong love story. Their bond was instant and undeniable, leading them to marry in 1965 when Kenny was just 20 and Debbie, 19. Together, they built a life filled with love, loyalty, and devotion, raising four sons by the time Kenny was 28.

A devoted family man, Kenny’s world revolved around those he loved. He took immense pride in being a husband, father, and later, a doting grandfather, AKA “Poppy”. Known for his quick wit, warm heart, boundless support and unwavering generosity, Kenny was a source of strength and comfort to everyone who knew him. His family, friends, and all who crossed his path felt the warmth of his presence and the ease of his friendship.

Kenny’s legacy is one of deep love and dedication of his beloved family and dear friends. He was a proud, yet humble, likable street smart guy, he had an enviable and admired unparalleled work ethic. After his retirement, Kenny became more passionate about golf, fishing, horses and afternoons at the race track. He loved cheering for the Chicago Bears, Bulls and White Sox and never passed up a trip to the movies, especially when accompanied by a big bucket of popcorn. Above all, Kenny was a proud and involved father and Poppy. He was an active participant in the lives of his four sons and their families. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his eight grandchildren. His love for them knew no bounds. When he wasn’t busy with his family, Kenny could be found on the golf course with many of his closest friends, “Lloyd’s guys”; these friendships spanned five decades. His nickname of Poppy grew as a life of its own. Kenny is survived by his four sons David (Mariann), Jeffrey (Sharyl), Daniel (Stacey) and Jimmy (Elle). Poppy is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Jacob (soon to be Kimberly), Sami (Charles), Noah, Isabel (Charlie), Bennett, Carly, Eli and Billy. Kenny also leaves behind a lifelong friend in Arlyn Goodman and a very special person in Linda Stone.

The sudden loss of Kenny, our Poppy is profound, not to just his family, but extends to his wide circle of friends and former colleagues. He will be missed by his family and his countless friends, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. This heartbroken loss has taken him away, but has brought him back to to where he always longed to be, back to his beautiful loving wife, Debbie.

Graveside funeral service will be Monday, October 7th at 2 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A celebration of Kenny’s life will follow interment at Twin Orchard Country Club, 22353 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047 after the funeral until 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (give.rolfefoundation.org/give/349387/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=RolfeHeaderButton). For info: 847-256-5700