Roger Shiffman

February 14th, 2022

Roger and I were childhood buddies. I remember when he got a new motorcycle and it had turn signals that he said he was advised not to use because they weren’t all that far apart, but instead to use hand signals. He took me on a trip with it, riding as his “hog” down Lakeshore Drive, my one and only motorcycle ride.
He was an entrepreneur as a teenager selling a line of multilevel products, I remember a soap cleaning product he told me about.
I grew up to be a medical doctor and unbeknownst to me he became a giant in the toy industry.
We hung around Loyola Park he lived close by. And I lived near Touhy and Sheridan.
We never communicated since high school.
I lived in Los Angeles for 43 year and I came back to Chicago to work at Rush University Medical Center.
The person I wanted most to see upon my return was Roger Shiffman only to learn he have passed away. I have been very sad and near crying to think my buddie was no more! Why do people have to die???

~Sanford Weissbuch
~Childhood friend, Chicago, Il

September 10th, 2020

Roger was a classmate of mine at Sullivan High School Class of 1971.
Although we weren’t close I remember him fondly. I am so sorry for your loss.

~Richard Luckman
~Classmate, Grand Terrace, CA

September 9th, 2020

I’m deeply saddened to hear of Roger’s passing, as all my memories of him are of a larger-than-life, life-loving, generous-hearted man. Though it’s been 15+ years since I’ve seen him, I still tell the story of our family being hosted by his family on their celebratory Thanksgiving trip to Disney World after Roger’s brain tumor was diagnosed as benign. The whole trip was over-the-top first class, with behind-the-scenes tours and seating. But the best part was the T-shirts that Roger had made for all of us, with the Grateful Dead logo on them, reworded to say “Grateful to NOT be dead” ! Roger had such enthusiasm for making sure that everyone he cared about was enjoying life to the fullest, his treat!

My heart is with you, Carol, Amanda and Justin, as he was a big presence and his passing will live a big hole. May your hearts and minds keep him with you always.

Many blessings on your whole family to find peace as you move through your grieving and know that you are supported by the hearts of many, near and far. Do be gentle with yourselves.

I feel fortunate to have known Roger and all of you,
Sue

~Sue Mackey (Bensman)
~friend, Lafayette, CO

September 9th, 2020

Reading The NY Times this AM I am saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. I always remember Roger’s bigger than life presence with his ever-present smile. His gentle ways were always appreciated and he made everyone around him feel important. Although Roger and his beautiful family had long been away from Polo, you all left an indelible, and welcome, impression on my life. May you all find comfort in cherished memories-

~Sherry Zimet
~Golf Pro Polo Club BOCA Raton, BOCA Raton, FL