Jerold Neil Chern

Service : Private Service

Memorial Gathering
Max and Benny’s Restaurant
461 Waukegan Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Saturday February 22nd, 2025
11AM to 3:00 PM

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Jerold “Jerry” Neil Chern, a brilliant scholar, polymath, inventor, entrepreneur, and passionate astronomer, passed on February 7, 2025, at the age of 82. A longtime resident of Buffalo Grove, IL, Jerry was a man of boundless curiosity and intellect, whose contributions and innovations touched many lives. Beloved father of Adam Chern (Rebecca Kemble), Kevin Chern (Laura Hyland), and Eric Chern (Laurie Chern, née Dresner). Devoted grandfather to Ndegwa, Kibuna and Hannah; Izzy and Sully; Dylan, Jane and Ari, whose lives he enriched with his wisdom and humor. Cherished brother of the late Robert Chern. Loving son of the late Norman and Ruth Chern (née Rapport). He shared over four decades of partnership and marriage with his former spouse, Karen Chern (née Sugar). A man of extraordinary intellect and insatiable curiosity, Jerry was never content with the ordinary. He approached life with an innovator’s mind and an explorer’s heart, whether pursuing his entrepreneurial endeavors, delving into scholarly studies, or gazing at the stars. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a generosity of spirit that inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him. A private burial will be held for immediate family members. Friends and loved ones are invited to a memorial gathering in Jerry’s honor at Max and Benny’s Restaurant, 461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in Jerry’s honor at Myeloma.org. Jerry’s light and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing.