WALLACE JAY STEBBINS YOUNGER

1934 - 2017

Wallace Jay Stebbins Younger "Steb" of Barrington Hills, IL, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017, of natural causes. Born October 23, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Edward F. and Helen G. (Stebbins) Younger. Steb graduated from Harvard School for Boys (Chicago) and attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN. He served in the US Army Security Agency during the Korean War and was stationed at Kagnew Station, Asmera Eritria, East Africa. Steb married his Zo in 1961. During a career spanning 50 years, Steb worked as CEO and Treasurer of Stebbins Hardware Company, Chicago, IL - the largest metropolitan hardware store in North America, and later as President of Stebbins Real Estate. An avid sailor, Steb enjoyed navigating Lake Michigan, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Caribbean. In the summers Steb could be found on the deck of his sailing ketch, "Antares" with the wind at his back and his hand on the wheel. A member of the US Power Squadron, "Steb" achieved the rank of Senior Navigator and taught Advanced Piloting, Weather, Celestial Navigation and Sailing. Steb was a member of Lodge 810 and a Scottish and York Rite Mason, and a Noble of the Medinah Temple Shriners. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and sang in the choir for 22 years at St. David's (Glenview, IL), St. Mark's (Barrington Hills, IL), and St. Michael's (Barrington, IL). A 50-year member of Sports Car Club of America, he and Zo crewed in a number of race events throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Steb was a licensed pilot and member of the Stearman's Restorer's Association. He was a life member of the Union League Club of Chicago and a life long supporter of the Boy's and Girl's Clubs. Steb was a life member of the Art Institute of Chicago which he and Zo enjoyed visiting throughout their marriage. With his three sons Mark, Jay, and Chris, Steb was "in" the Boy Scouts of America and taught Webelo and Cub Scouts classes for several years. Steb was a member of the Planning Commission of Barrington Hills for six years and was influential in preserving their five acre zoning. As an equestrian Steb belonged to the America Quarter Horse Association, took roping lessons and extensively rode the trails of the Riding Club of Barrington Hills. In 1971 Steb and Zo started the Up & Down Cross Country Skiers of Barrington Hills, usually involving glug and fondue at their home afterwards. An antique motorcycle enthusiast, collector, and restorer, Steb enjoyed over 42K "miles of smiles" riding around the continental United States and Canada on his Harley Davidson Wide-Glide. He was a member of the Harley Owners Group, BMW, and Norton Owner's Association. Steb was an active tennis player at the South Shore Country Club (Chicago) and after retirement actively played tennis, golf, and bocce ball at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Ft. Myers, FL. He regularly volunteered at the Henry Chapin Food Pantry in Ft. Myers, FL. Steb is survived by his devoted wife of 55½ years, Zozo (Verbeke) Younger. Three loving sons Mark (Joyce), Jay (Jeni) of Barrington and Christopher (Erika) of California. Cherished grandfather of Maxwell, Grace, Galen, Sophia, Riley, Ella, Ryan and Chase. His dear sister Grace (Roger) Peterson. Fond uncle of Todd and Scott Peterson, and Andrew and James MacKay and all of his friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister Donna (Donald) MacKay. A celebration of Steb's life will be held at 9:00A.M. until time of service 10:00A.M. on Monday, June 19th, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Avenue, Barrington, IL. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, arrange to visit someone you have been wanting to see and bring kindness and joy to their life. Arrangements entrusted to Giancola Funeral Directors, 773-625-7751.