Edward B. Stein

Eight bells for the “end of watch” of Edward B. Stein, 105, who passed away peacefully at his Chicago home, closely surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Ed, the son of Leo and Reva Stein, was born on April 23, 1917, on Chicago’s south side. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Mildred R. Stein, in 1941, and went on to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. Afterward, he returned to run the family business, Stebco Products Corporation, and became a leader in the office products and luggage and leather goods industries. His love of his work took him and Millie on adventures around the world, gathering many friends as they went. Never far from the lake, Chicago’s “oldest-known sailor” sailed almost every weekend of his life, most recently (since 1985) aboard his beloved 36′ Catalina, Dog House IV. Ed was devoted to the Chicago Area Sea Scouts for most of its existence, teaching the art of seamanship to generations of Chicagoland youth. He became “Temporary” Commodore of the program in 1948, a position he held for more than 60 years. He has received numerous awards through his service to the Sea Scouts, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, Ed was active in the broader sailing and Chicago community, serving as, among many other things, Commodore of Columbia Yacht Club and Commodore of the Chicago Yachting Association. He was voted Chicago Yachtsman of the Year in 1989. Ed was predeceased by his sister, Jane Oguss, and is survived by his daughters, Myrna Stein and Arlene Stein Iverson, his son-in-law Bruce Iverson, his grandson Jared Stein Iverson, his wonderful caregivers, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a large circle of friends in places as far flung as Hawaii, Singapore, Prague, and Australia. He is deeply and sorely missed. The family held a small private graveside service on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. A larger celebration of his life will be held this summer.