Don Gruenberg
October 15, 1942 ~ March 11, 2026
Don Gruenberg will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest pride in life was always his family.
Beloved husband of Alice Gruenberg and loving father to Ellen Gruenberg and Lisa Chalem, he was also a cherished father-in-law to Jeff Chalem. Don built a life defined by generosity, dedication, and deep care for those around him. Though he was a highly successful businessman and engineer, he often said that his greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren.
A proud and loving Saba, Don found his greatest joy in the lives of his grandchildren—Ben, Emily, Jack, Alex, and Sam—and in watching their futures unfold. Throughout his life, he took care of everyone around him, offering wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.
He is also survived by his dear sister, Leah Shoshani, her husband, Avi, and their children and grandchildren.
Don’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply and the many lives he touched with kindness, generosity, and devotion.
Private family service. Shiva to follow at Max and Benny’s (461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook, IL 60062) Sunday, March 15, between 1 and 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of the following charities:
The Charlie Foundation:
https://charliefoundation.
Greater Chicago Food Depository:
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Karlyn Shapiro - Friend
March 11, 2026, 7:48 pm
Dear Alice and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Please know that my thoughts are with
you at this difficult time.
Karlyn
Audrey Casale - Friend
March 11, 2026, 7:49 pm
Alice and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Family. Love, Audrey Casale. ❤️
Bruce and Maryann Pincheon - Friend
March 11, 2026, 7:54 pm
It was an honor and a privilege to know
this true gentleman
Don will be missed
Rest in peace
Scott Meek - Friend
March 11, 2026, 8:00 pm
Alice, I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I know he was the love of your life and the two of you were such a wonderful support for your kids and grandkids. Wishing you nothing but positive thoughts and prayers at this time. Cherish those memories forever! — Scott
Marion Wicker - Friend fellow cyclist
March 11, 2026, 8:19 pm
Dear Alice
We are so sorry to hear of our friend’s passing! What an incredible
Legacy to behind. We’re sorry to have lost touch
Love Marion and George
Fran Elkeles - Cousin
March 11, 2026, 9:02 pm
Always cherishing the amazing years we shared together. May his memory be for a blessing. Rest in Peace Dani.
Linda & Mel Klein - Friends
March 11, 2026, 9:17 pm
Dear Alice, Ellen, Lisa & family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of our dear friend Don’s passing. We will always treasure with great fondness his genuineness, warmth, compassion and love. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and may his rich legacy of good deeds and the everlasting memories of all of the wonderful times and love you shared with him lend comfort and support to you and your entire family during the difficult days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With sincere sympathy and love,
Linda & Mel Klein
Christopher LaGrua - Friend, Neighbor and Cyclist Buddie
March 11, 2026, 11:40 pm
A testimonial to my friend Don of 21yrs. Don and Alice moved in 2005, my neighbors in the Estuary, Jupiter, FL. The Estuary is commonly known as paradise since it has a walk path to Jupiter Inlet and the Ocean with no street to cross. A few years passed and Don and Alice were blessed with Grandchildren. Don decided to leave Paradise to buy a larger house for his Grand Children. If you look up the definition of “Heart of Gold” Don’s name will be on that list.
Judy Simon - Friend
March 11, 2026, 11:55 pm
Dear Alice and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I know he was a pillar of strength & a loving role model for his family. Hoping that those cherished memories will bring you all comfort. His wonderful spirit will be remembered and kept alive through those loving memories.
Sending my heartfelt condolences with love, judy simon
Alex Chalem - Grandson
March 12, 2026, 1:43 am
Don Gruenberg, or Saba as I referred to him, was a joy to be around during the years I got to have him as my grandfather. I am lucky to have been able to share so many memories with an amazing person.
Louise cocuzzo - Friend
March 12, 2026, 10:39 am
Alice and family,
Sending you our deepest condolences.
Your words about him in the announcement was so accurate! He loved his children so much. A life well lived.
Stephen and Louise Cocuzzo
Wendy Hicks - Friend
March 12, 2026, 2:31 pm
Alice,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your husband, Don. My heart aches for you and your family during this difficult time. There are no words to truly ease the pain of such a loss. Always cherish his love that lives on in his family.
With deepest sympathy,
Wendy Hicks
Barry Scholnick - Friend
March 12, 2026, 4:31 pm
I knew Don as both a biking buddy and someone who I was able to sit down and carry on a conversation over brunch. He will be missed.
Alice I’m sorry for your loss and wish I could have attended the memorial service but living in Salt Lake makes it impossible
Heather Schultz - Friend
March 14, 2026, 3:38 pm
Alice,
Thinking of you and the family. So sorry to hear about the loss of Don.
With sympathy,
Heather Schultz