Mitchell (Mitch) Harris Saranow, 77, of Highland Park, Ill., passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 50 years to Linda, and loving and proud father of Jennifer (David) Schultz, Julie (Matt) Epley, William "Sonny" (Frankie), and David (Abbey). He was the adored Papa of Hannah, Delia, Robbie, Sam, Shaya and Ezra; cherished brother of Elise Gold; and a dear uncle, cousin, friend, classmate and colleague.

Mitch was born October 14, 1945 to the late Dorothy and William Saranow and raised in the West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. An Eagle Scout, Mitch attended Boone Elementary and Lane Tech High School, and was later honored to be on the Lane Tech Wall of Fame.

Mitch earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with high distinction from Northwestern University, graduating near the top of his class, and earned his JD and MBA with distinction (George F. Baker scholar), from the joint program of Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. A highly accomplished venture capitalist, entrepreneur, attorney, and CPA, Mitch began his professional career as an associate attorney with Mayer Brown & Platt, and then served as a venture capital officer for investment banking firm Warburg Paribus Becker. He parlayed this experience into roles of increasing responsibility in subsequent years, including Vice President of Sunmark Companies and Chief Financial Officer at CFS Continental Inc. He formed The Saranow Group, LLC, a private investment firm, and served as chairman and chief executive officer of various companies, including Fluid Management Inc., and as a director for numerous corporations. Mitch guided a host of profitable companies and lent insights to various civic, professional and charitable groups.

His innovative corporate leadership garnered a number of honors, including the 1994 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Manufacturing for Indiana and Illinois, and induction into the University of Illinois at Chicago's Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Beyond these achievements, Mitch garnered numerous honors over the course of his career and civic service, including the Elijah Watt Sells Award in 1981, regarded as one of the highest honors a new CPA can receive; Distinguished Service Award from the Juvenile Protective Association; and the Distinguished Community Leadership Award from the Chicago chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.

Perhaps his proudest achievement was his family, and he will be deeply missed. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle soul; his quick wit and great sense of humor; his deep intellect and endless curiosity about the universe. A Lionel model train enthusiast and life-long Cubs fan, Mitch could also always be found with a book, newspaper or The Economist in hand, and had a joke for nearly every situation.

Service Wednesday 2:00 PM in the chapel of Westlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, 7801 W. Montrose Avenue, Norridge, where interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Anti-Defamation League. Sign Mitchell's Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries. Arrangements entrusted to Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mitchell Saranow

16 Entries

Janis Nelson

June 12, 2025

I will always love you, Mitch.

Bob Berger

May 11, 2025

I continue to have, and will always have, very fond memories of Mitch. We worked closely together at the Mayer Brown law firm and remained friends through the years. He was a very bright, energetic, imaginative person who, despite his business success, always retained a soft, warm, human side and a charming sense of humor.

William McKillip

May 22, 2023

My wife, Ann, and I send our condolences to Linda and the whole family. We have known Linda, Ellen and their mother, Gerta, for over 50 years. Gerta and I have spoken frequently over the years and she has kept us up to date on everyone´s accomplishments. Mr. Saranow was a real gentleman and was the example they all followed.

Bill Gordon

May 18, 2023

Mitch was a wonderful friend. His intellect, optimism, and drive were inspirational. But, his caring heart offered so much more. I missed Mitch when he left Mayer Brown, but happy to find him again as the years passed. My heartfelt condolences to Linda and the whole family. They were always the center of Mitch´s life and love. Godspeed old friend.

Jen and Keith Fernbach

Planted Trees

Elliott Tepper

May 17, 2023

Mitch was indeed one of the noblest gentleman I have known-brilliant, wise and surprisingly humble and approachable. I remember the after dinner walk we took together in Cambridge during one of our Harvard Reunions. We talked about making the world a better a better place for men and the hope of Heaven and Eternity. I trust Mitch is rejoicing in the presence of God. He was and is such a good man.
Elliott Tepper HBS class of1971

Bob Listfield

May 17, 2023

So sorry to hear about Mitch's passing. He was an accomplished person, but more than that he was a wonderful human being, and always a smile on his face.

Mike Kudia

May 17, 2023

It was an honor for me to have worked beside Mitch since 1989. He was an exceptionally patient and generous person. Mitch was incredibly loyal to his friends, partners and staff. He loved his family above all else and kept photos of his children and grandchildren on his desk. I owe any business success I may have had to his guidance. I already miss him very much.

Bob Berger

May 16, 2023

I was greatly saddened to learn of Mitch's passing. I had the good fortune and pleasure of working closely with Mitch when he was a young lawyer at Mayer Brown. We quickly developed a close relationship that bloomed into a lifelong friendship. Even back in his youth, it was clear to all that Mitch was bright, imaginative, self-assured, ambitious, a good and loyal friend and many other good things, all of which coalesced into a long and successful business career. He greatly loved and cared for his family, and was a good friend until the end. We will all miss him. Sincere condolences to the Saranow family.

Daryl Laner

May 16, 2023

Linda:
I will always remember our good times together in Amsterdam, Russia and South Africa.

Randi S Kugler

May 16, 2023

Heartfelt condolences. A phenomenal and kind human being.

Randall and Laura Laninga

May 16, 2023

Randy and I have had the privilege of meeting Mitch and Linda when our daughter was engaged to their son, David. Our opportunities for talking to Mitch were limited due to distance but our respect for Mitch and Linda have grown with getting to know their beautiful family. Their welcome into their family has meant the world to us. Our prayers and condolences are with you as you grieve.
Laura and Randy Laninga

Brookfield Public Securities Group

May 16, 2023

We send condolences to the friends and family of Mitchell.
With much hope and deepest sympathy.

Maryellen & Dick Keyser

May 16, 2023

Mitch was a Harvard classmate and good friend. We have many wonderful memories of our times together. With deepest sympathy.

Chuck Logan , Lane & NU

May 16, 2023

Dear family members- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although it´s been a while since we have had breakfast together , he will be missed.
My favorite Mitch story was one hot fall day in 1962, I went over to see what the incoming freshmen Northwestern football team looked like as they came off the field. Most were exhausted and gasping for air. Under one of the helmets , I heard "Hi Chuck". As I looked closer, I noticed it was Mitch. I asked him what he was doing and he responded "trying out for the team". I told him that he was crazy. The school wasn´t giving him any scholarship money, and football was a full time job. Years later he thanked me for my advice.

Aileen Cornbleet

May 16, 2023

Mitch was an extremely intelligent and generous philanthropist. I remember his wit and great love of family .Also we had many wonderful memories with him and his lovely supportive wife Linda. ,He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The Cornbleets
Aileen Jonathan and Jocelyn

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