Obituary
Felled by COVID-19, David was honorable, authentic, and the rock of his family. Despite facing many health problems, including the loss of his eyesight, David maintained his down-to-earth personality and intelligence. He was loved by his family and friends who will miss the ever-present twinkle in his eye, his boisterous laugh, and sharp wit. David graduated from Illinois State University with a teaching degree and went on to earn his Masters in Educational Administration from Roosevelt University and Doctorate from Loyola University. While at Illinois State, he was a proud member of the Hancock Hoboes who cheered on the football team. Among the many stories of his college days he proudly retold was the one in which he learned that his younger sister had beaten his record for drinking the most beers at a local bar. Unfazed, he promptly took up the challenge and reclaimed his title.
David was a highly respected mentor to countless teachers and students throughout his lifelong career at Niles Township High School District #219 and the Fasman Yeshiva High School. From his first job as a biology teacher and football/wrestling coach to assistant superintendent, he was dedicated to doing the most good for the greatest number of students. That integrity and passion carried over to the teachers with whom he worked, in one instance, working tirelessly to lead fundraisers for a colleague’s son with special medical needs.
David loved to cook and his recipes became highly-requested family favorites. As the master of the kitchen and his outdoor smoker, he was a student of cooking shows, eager to try his hand at any new dish. His interest rubbed off on his children who have emulated his culinary enthusiasm.
David was devoted to his wife, Sandy, and his family above all else. Before having children, he and Sandy simultaneously pursued advanced degrees, with David attending his Loyola classes downtown, walking over to Northwestern to sit in on Sandy’s classes, then driving home together. He was a true, unselfish partner in parenting which allowed Sandy to freely pursue her own career aspirations. David adored his children and was always present in their lives, never missing a sporting event or concert and instilling in them the importance of education. David lived long enough to welcome three grandsons into his family who brought him never-ending joy and pleasure beyond words. We will miss him every day of our lives.
His family thanks Dr. Barry Goldberg and Dr. Nancy Nora for their ongoing involvement in David’s medical care, bringing him successfully through many health crises. We are also indebted to the heroes of 3N at Glenbrook Hospital who unselfishly took care of him in his final days.
Due to the pandemic and out of concern for family and friends, services and shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. For information or condolences Shalom Memorial Funeral Home: (847) 255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org
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February 25th, 2021
Dean David Schusteff holds a special place in my heart. My senior year, – the year we transferred to Niles North from Niles East, Dean Schusteff appointed himself my personal “home room”/teacher. Early on, at the beginning of the year, he realized that as Dean of Students, his office would become my inevitable destination for that period. So, he spared us all the drama by making it official.
We spent the daily fifteen touching base and “chit-chatting”. Dean Schusteff was able to use this routine and seemingly superficial time, in a way that permeated the tough exterior of this displaced and flailing student. He adeptly found his way to my heart through the coupling of his sincere concern, lighthearted wit and easygoing manner.
Though I don’t recall the details of our conversations, I have never forgotten, nor taken for granted the positive effect his spirit had on me during my most difficult, scholastic year. Through kindness, intelligence and humor, he grounded me and gave me a mustard seed of hope.
I’ve often attributed the timely receipt of my diploma to Dean Schusteff’s credit. Who can say, for sure? But I do know this: On Graduation Day, it was his photograph, that I sought. I wanted to record and remember the teacher that had cared enough to foster a connection. He had enabled me, a troubled and difficult student who crossed his path, to feel worthy and optimistic. Optimistic that kindred, albeit wiser, spirits could be found behind the scenes and in my corner. And worthy of the presence and love, he extended in doing so.
Years later, I was to become a bilingual educator, blessed with the opportunity and inspiration to pass along the legacy, previously shared with me.
Dean David Schusteff gave life-long gifts to me and countless more. I regret I never got to tell him so. May his memory be honored exponentially, through the acts of kindness he inspired.
…My condolences for those he loved.
~Valerie Fabian
~Student, Niles North 1981 (Niles East), Skokie, IL
May 5th, 2020
Coach Schusteff, as he was known to me at Niles East from 1978-80, was a fantastic football coach and mentor to many of us (sometimes then misguided) students and football players. He comes up often when the old gang gets together, and he came up again today in a conversation with an old high school friend. So, I looked him up, and was shocked to learn that he had passed last month.
I am so sorry for your loss, and sorry that I didn’t have a chance to visit with him before he passed. Thankfully, I did run in to him several years ago, and had an opportunity to congratulate him on his meteoric rise through the ranks of the school district, and to thank him for his years of service and devotion, and his impact on so many young minds.
Coach Schusteff was there for me on several occasions when I needed it most, and kept me out of trouble a few times over the years. Although no one would have predicted it then, I went on to business school at IU and law school at Northwestern University, at least, in part, thanks to his mentorship and guidance. He was a bright, driven, and hard charging man, yet caring and quite funny, as well. He will always hold a fond place in my heart.
I live close by in Riverwoods, and if there is anything I can ever do for your family, as some small payback for his devotion and kindness, please let me know.
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss!
~Michael Pomerantz
~Former student and football player, Riverwoods, Illinois
April 14th, 2020
Dear Noah and Family,
The Sheridan/LeMire clan want to express our heartfelt and deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. Under the current health concern circumstances we all face, I have to say that the funeral service to honor your Father was just beautiful. He certainly had great impact on all those who were fortunate to have known him. In the difficult days ahead may you all find peace and comfort in this. May his memory be a blessing
Love,
Tom, Betty Sheridan and family
~Betty sheridan
~family friend, Buffalo Grove, IL
April 14th, 2020
Forty years ago, Dave was “Dean Schusteff” to me at Niles East HS. I was a rebellious teen with more than usual attitude….I’ll never forget that, despite the fact that he had to be stern with me, he truly cared. His concern was genuine, as was his smile. He was a person I truly respected during a time when I didn’t respect many. Though we had only chatted a few times in the decades since, my original opinion never changed. My heart goes out to his family…this world just lost a truly good one.
~Sandy Nehrling
~student, Skokie, IL
April 12th, 2020
Very sorry to hear. I fondly remember him comming down for meals at fyhs amd talking cooking amd food with him.
~Eli Greenberg
~co worker, Chicago il
April 10th, 2020
Dr Schusteff was a great principal and mentor. I was a student at Niles North from 94 to 98. He was so important in mentoring many of us. I went on to U of I in Urbana Champaign. I got an MBA. I have been working in commercial banking in Chicago for 18 years. I credit much of my success to the wonderful high school I went to. Dr Schusteff did a great job leading the staff at niles north. I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go to the family during this difficult time. Falguni Doshi Patel
~Falguni patel
~Student of niles north, Chicago IL
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