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Northwestern University Mather High School

Alan Sax Obituary

Alan Dale Sax, age 63, of Long Grove passed away on Monday, August 10 of heart failure at the riverboat casino, doing what he loved, playing poker. Alan, who owned Nationwide Amusements & Slot Machine Brokers, was recognized as the foremost expert in the industry. His passion became a career that truly loved. Always laughing, he had an amazing memory for jokes. Alan is survived by is loving wife of 34 years, Pam and his two beloved children, Daniel Sax and Becky (Will) Osnowitz, as well as his sister Donna (Ray) Balzano. He graduated from Mather High School and Northwestern University. Alan's request was to be cremated and have a ceremony for immediate family. There will be a Celebration of Life hosted for Alan, contact the family for details.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Sax

16 Entries

Greg Faulkner

August 15, 2025

Wow....just saw this today...10 years after Alan's passing. My father, Don Faulkner, was an avid slot and antique collector. Alan was a master in what he knew of the industry and history. He became very good friends with my father....and through them....ultimately me. My father purchased numerous machines from Alan and vice a versa. And as my dad was in the photographic and imaging business....he steered his talents into doing many, many reel strip and gaming machine graphics restorations. Alan used my dad's talents alot and the two of them would always chat for hours. When my father passed in 1992, Alan provided me phenomenal assistance is valuing and addressing the collection. He was a great guy. Hopefully he and my father have found each other again to continue their fun times together. RIP.

John E Harmon

February 27, 2024

He was a great guy !

August 27, 2015

Dear Pam, Daniel, Becky and Will

We have so many memories over most of our adult years, its hard to put into words.

I think the most fun memories we have of Alan were seeing Dr Bop and the Headliners at various venues in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. ---and proms!! Who said proms are just for kids.
What a wonderful person.

It just feels strange to have memories without the conversations.

Bless you.

David and Elly

Bob Schuh

August 23, 2015

I was one of Alan's many friends at Northwestern and treasure my memories of his warmth, brilliance, and great sense of humor. I am sad to hear he's not with us anymore but glad I knew him. My prayers and thougts for Pam and children and family

August 19, 2015

Donna and family, so sorry to hear about Alan. Remember all the fun times growing up with the Sax and Victor families.

Jon Victor and the entire Victor family.

Cousin Elliot

August 18, 2015

May your memory be a blessing.

Bruce & Sue Thompson

August 14, 2015

Your friends are many - your smile sincere. You will be missed.

John Spina

August 14, 2015

I was your neighbor in Long Grove, and had been to see Alan several times. Bought a storage unit full of Jennings slot machines and brought them to Colorado...still have pallets full of them and plan to restore them this year. RIP Alan, your knowledge of machines surpassed all.

Alex Warschaw

August 14, 2015

Nothing will replace Alan's friendship - he had a remarkable ability to remember nearly every poker hand he played, then review them with me the next day. (Sometimes 2 or 3 times) . Chicagoland will be one angel short this year. Miss you buddy.

Bobbie Becker-Silverman

August 13, 2015

Although I never met Alan personally, he was a friend of my husband who always spoke so highly of Alan. My husband loved Alan's sense of humor. I spoke with Alan once by telephone, and he was so personable during the phone call that I can see why he was so well liked. It came as a great shock to me and my husband when we learned of his recent passing. This world lost such a good and decent human being. I extend my condolences to his family.

Rich Wolfin

August 13, 2015

Deepest condolences to Pam, Daniel and Becky. Alan was a close friend. We shared many adventures thru coin-op always with a smile and a laugh. I miss my friend already. I am hard pressed to imagine smiling or laughing as much at the silly things we always joked about. Right about now, Alan is probably catching up with Frank about the cool uprights in heaven before he heads off to a big poker game where he will quietly take all the chips. Rest in peace my friend.

August 13, 2015

I will miss my friend very much. Rest in peace Alan and may there be a big poker game in heaven.

Steve Krex

Erick and Teresa Johnson

August 13, 2015

I saw Alan at just about every Chicagoland show for the past 20 years. He was an all around great guy and had the most wonderful sense of humor. This world could use a lot more people like him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Alan Kisza

August 13, 2015

To the Sax Family. I met Alan when I first started going to Chicagoland back in the mid 1990's. I was introduced to him by a mutual friend. I would always see Alan at that show and at various auctions that I attended, especially in Las Vegas. I would be greeted by him with kindness and warmth and thoroughly enjoyed talking with him. I always learned something from him and I also would look forward to seeing what shirt he would be wearing. On one occasion, I did visit his home and workshop. To a novice collector that was just beginning his obsession, I was quite taken with Alan's collection and workshop. He was as giving of his time and knowledge as always and I have always felt a genuine fondness for Alan. It saddens me very much that one of the true mensch in this hobby has left us. I would like to say that he left his mark in this life and me and that I will miss seeing him again. I would also extend my sincere condolences to his family at your loss.
With regards, Alan Kisza

Donna Blevins

August 13, 2015

Becky,
Remembering you and your family in my prayers. I am so sorry.
Donna B

Steve

August 13, 2015

I will always remember his jokes, his smile and will miss his stories about his poker playing. He could remember the game hand by hand. A wonderful caring and sharing person. A great friend. He made his mark and will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results