Roger D. Isaacs passed away peacefully on 19 February, 2025, at 99 years of age, in Glencoe, Illinois. A man of tremendous but understated intellect, he was, until his last moment, engaging everyone around him with his characteristic wit. Roger was a friend and mentor to many, who join his family in remembering an extraordinary life conducted with humor, creativity, and integrity.
Roger developed academic curiosity and a lifelong love of the natural world in his early days. He studied at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His education was interrupted by World War II and he joined the 87th Infantry Division and fought in France and Germany. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, received the Purple Heart, and was named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, among other awards, in recognition of his service.
After the war, he continued his education at Bard College and graduated with a degree in Language and Literature, which he put to good use in his professional life
Roger was a pioneer in the public relations business, helping found the Public Relations Board and growing it into an international agency. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Crime Commission, Highland Park Hospital, North Shore University Health System, North Bank/Wintrust, WBEZ, and as a member of the Advisory Council at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at the University of Chicago. Among myriad professional accomplishments, Roger proposed a "Declaration of Interdependence" with Europe—an idea that President John F. Kennedy found compelling, and used as the basis for his 4 July, 1962 speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Alongside his professional career, Roger developed considerable expertise in biblical studies, ancient languages, and science, culminating in his 2010 book, "Talking With God." It was the result of more than forty years of work, building on research started by his father, and it provides a novel theory and recontextualization of Hebrew words, Biblical texts, and Abrahamic religions through lenses of linguistics, physics, and chemistry. In his late 90s, he co-founded an academic journal, "Studies of Biblical Interest," with his grandson Adam, furthering this research for a third generation.
Roger was also a poet, a student of history, a jazz drummer, a sailor, and a fan of Michigan football and the Chicago Bears.
Most important, Roger enjoyed what he called "a lifetime of love with the love of my life," Joyce, for more than 72 years. He is survived by daughters, Gillian (Richard) and Jan (John); his grandchildren, Meredith (Chris), Ian (Gina), Adam (Ali), and Orion (El); his great-grandson Julian; and an adoring cadre of extended family, friends, and mentees.
He will be deeply missed, but his impact lives on through his kind support for generations of people around him, the example of a life underpinned by quiet dignity and curiosity, and his scholarship and written works.
A private memorial service was held in his honor. Contributions may be made to "Studies of Biblical Interest" (www.biblicaljournal.org) to continue the research Roger started.
Roger developed academic curiosity and a lifelong love of the natural world in his early days. He studied at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His education was interrupted by World War II and he joined the 87th Infantry Division and fought in France and Germany. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, received the Purple Heart, and was named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, among other awards, in recognition of his service.
After the war, he continued his education at Bard College and graduated with a degree in Language and Literature, which he put to good use in his professional life
Roger was a pioneer in the public relations business, helping found the Public Relations Board and growing it into an international agency. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Crime Commission, Highland Park Hospital, North Shore University Health System, North Bank/Wintrust, WBEZ, and as a member of the Advisory Council at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at the University of Chicago. Among myriad professional accomplishments, Roger proposed a "Declaration of Interdependence" with Europe—an idea that President John F. Kennedy found compelling, and used as the basis for his 4 July, 1962 speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Alongside his professional career, Roger developed considerable expertise in biblical studies, ancient languages, and science, culminating in his 2010 book, "Talking With God." It was the result of more than forty years of work, building on research started by his father, and it provides a novel theory and recontextualization of Hebrew words, Biblical texts, and Abrahamic religions through lenses of linguistics, physics, and chemistry. In his late 90s, he co-founded an academic journal, "Studies of Biblical Interest," with his grandson Adam, furthering this research for a third generation.
Roger was also a poet, a student of history, a jazz drummer, a sailor, and a fan of Michigan football and the Chicago Bears.
Most important, Roger enjoyed what he called "a lifetime of love with the love of my life," Joyce, for more than 72 years. He is survived by daughters, Gillian (Richard) and Jan (John); his grandchildren, Meredith (Chris), Ian (Gina), Adam (Ali), and Orion (El); his great-grandson Julian; and an adoring cadre of extended family, friends, and mentees.
He will be deeply missed, but his impact lives on through his kind support for generations of people around him, the example of a life underpinned by quiet dignity and curiosity, and his scholarship and written works.
A private memorial service was held in his honor. Contributions may be made to "Studies of Biblical Interest" (www.biblicaljournal.org) to continue the research Roger started.
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