Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
FUNERAL HOME
RICHARD ROVNER Obituary
Dr. Richard N. Rovner died of heart failure Friday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Adored husband of Judge Ilana Diamond Rovner; beloved father of Maxwell; loving brother of Barbara Flaxman (Harry); and brother-in-law of Ellis (Bonnie); fond uncle to twonieces and two nephews; and devoted owner of Jack the cat. Cherished by legions of patients, Dr. Rovner was born in Niagara Falls, NY on Sept. 28, 1931 to the late Dr. Beril and Ruby Rovner. He served for 35 years as an Associate Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Medical School and taught neurology at Northwestern and The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago where he was Chief of Staff from 1972 to 1974. Dr. Rovner was Associate Professor of Neurology at Rush University Medical School from 1999 to July 2009, and at the time of his death was Emeritus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Richard N. Rovner, M.D. Epilepsy Research and Education Fund, Office of Philanthropy, Rush University Medical Center 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Anshe Emet Synagogue 3751 North Broadway, Chicago. Interment Rosehill Cemetery. Info The Goldman Funeral Group, Irwin Goldman Director (847) 478-1600. 
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD ROVNER
55 Entries
Ruth Cintron
June 6, 2010
My Most Dearest Ilana and Max,
Bobby and I, formally sent you both, cards with notes expressing our most deepest sympathy. I have been in great sorrow over my "boss's" death and simply couldn't come to terms with signing this book because I somehow knew that this would confirm what I really didn't want to accept. Although it has been sometime since Dr. Rovner's passing, I knew this day would come when I would sign this book. You know I worked with Dr. Rovner for 14 years and I can truly say that he was the most wonderful doctor anyone in the world could ever work for. He made our days so pleasant; he was caring, funny, and truly a loving doctor to all of his patients, including his staff. Ilana and Max, to you both, be proud forever of such a precious human being. It was quite an honor to work for him.
Love, Ruth Cintron (Dr. Rovner's office manager)...as he would tell me many times, "Take the rest of the day off !!"
Ira Raphaelson
April 5, 2010
Dear Ilana and Max: I learned of this only this morning and am ashamed not to have somehow found out earlier. I cannot imagine the impact of this loss. I remember back more than 32 years ago when my late father asked me why a new doctor had checked my comatose mother's medical chart. When I learned that the doctor was Dick Rovner, I knew that a brilliant and unassuming man, full of life, humor and love had stopped by to check if anything else could be done. It is a kindness that I carry with me for my whole life. He has touched the lives of so many and will be missed and cherished by us all.
Milena Pavlovic
December 25, 2009
Max,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Jan and Louise Leestma
December 19, 2009
By chance I learned of the death of Dick this morning (Dec. 19, 2009. I am so sorry....Dick and I were in the Neurology Department at Northwestern for many years....both Louise and I cherish the many special occasions at the Rovner home. Many happy shared moments. Our deepest condolences.
Mary Sfasciotti
December 17, 2009
Today, I learned of the death of Dr. Richard Rovner and I am terribly saddened by the news. He was the beloved husband of Judge Ilana Rovner. I personally knew him as an extraordinary physician, a wonderful human being, and as the husband of one of our finest jurists. He will be greatly missed. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and share their grief.
Lou Rosenblum
December 11, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max--
We were saddened to hear of Dick's death, so soon after he was transferred to Rehab. Actually we heard the news when we met Janet Stern at the funeral services today for Helga Weinberg. We mentioned our conversation about Ben Boshes and the related family connections and she followed up by mentioning that she had just sent you a note of condolence. We had not seen the obituary and thus were shocked. Our sincere condolences. I left a truncated message on Max's telephone as I wasn't sure it was the correct number, and finally decided to leave this rather public note.
We would like to talk to you, Ilana, but don't know how to reach you. In the interim please accept our sympathies (and those of Debi and Daniel) and wishes that you can take solace in the many messages you have received.
Affectionately,
Lya and Lou Rosenblum
Sylvia Grubisic
December 10, 2009
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My son, John, was a patient of Dr. Rovner for 45 years. My husband, myself were also patients. Dr. Rovner would say that he was our family physician. He was a wonderful doctor and a great human being. When my son heard that he retired, John sent him a Harley jacket. Dr. Rovner seemed to be pleased with it, I hope he got to wear it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
The Grubisic Family
Sylvia, John and the late Joseph
Danny Zoller
December 6, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max:
I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Danny Zoller
Ora Benton
December 6, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,
You are always warmly thought of, but hearing your sad news brings special feelings of caring and concern. I feel privileged to have had Dick in my life, as a boss and a friend, and will always be grateful for the friendship you both have extended to me. He was a special, gentle man whose humor, compassion, and kindness I will never forget. Beyond his many accomplishments and contributions as a teacher and practitioner, I recall most his great joy whenever he spoke of you, Ilana, and his pride at being Max’s father. I am so sorry for your loss.
Donald Harter
December 5, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Richard's passing. He was a mainstay of Northwestern's Department who could always be relied upon to participate in the work of the Department with enthusiasm, energy, and good humor. On more than one occasion, he would help me recognize the true nature of a problem, put it into proper perspective, and show me the humor of the situation. You and Richard were so kind to me when I first appeared in Chicago-as the new kid on the block. I shall never forget your compassion. I share your grief and take consolation in having known and shared many happy, humorous, and meaningful times with Richard.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Donald Harter
priscila and vince satkoff
December 3, 2009
Dear Ilana,
We were saddened to hear of Dick's passing. He was truly a wonderful man! Our deepest sympathies to you and Max. You are in our prayers.
With love,
Priscila and Vince (Satkoff)
Joy Flaschner
December 3, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,
Just heard about your great loss. Feel really sorry about Dick's death, and sorry I have not seen you in too many years. I have wonderful memories of him as a child and young adult....too many to put here. Hope we can get together on one of my trips to Chicago...and that I can finally meet Max.
Know you have great strength and enjoyed a wonderful life together.
Be well.
Most Fondly,
JOY
Chris Rone
December 2, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, the Rone family.
Sheila Rodin-Novak
December 2, 2009
Dear Ilana,
We shared some time in the ICU waiting room during both of our husbands time there. You were kind enough to get the name of a stroke doctor for me. Unfortunately I also lost my husband recently so my heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow and loss. I thank you for the time we shared together. I wish you healing and peace of mind. My deepest sympathy.
Amanda Whalen
December 2, 2009
Ilana and Max,
We are thinking of you both and sending our love. I am so glad that we got to see Dick this summer at Dad's birthday telling his wonderful stories and jokes. We will miss him.
Love to you both,
Amanda, Jim, Jed, Willa, and Levi
December 1, 2009
Ilana:
Jeannette and I are so sorry; you have our deepest sympathy. We are grateful that we did have the opportunity to spend an evening with the two of you earlier this year.
We will always remember him as the brilliant doctor with a great sense of humour and profound wisdom and a joy to be with. He was a vital, bright and very kind man.
Our prayers are with you.
Don and Jeannette Reuben
Melvin Garbow
December 1, 2009
Dear Illana, It has been too many years since we have seen you and Richard. But both of you have always been in our hearts, and we remember you with sincere affection on this sad day. May you be comforted by his wonderful memory. Dene and Mel Garbow
December 1, 2009
Dearest Ilana and Max:
Please know that our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you at this time as they are always. We will always remember Dick's genuine kindness,love,and respect that he forever shared with all of our family. His sense of joyful humor about golf or life cheered us all. May he rest in peace.
Love, Dave and Donna MacKay
Carol Prins
December 1, 2009
Dear Ilana:
Please know John and I are thinking of you and Max during this painful time. We send our love and deepest sympathy.
fondly
Carol(Prins)& John( Hart)
Tresa Abraham
December 1, 2009
Judge Rovner and Max, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. (from J. Andersen's chambers).
Jeanne Polydoris
December 1, 2009
Judge Ilana and my wonderful friend Max,
My heart broke when I heard of your enormous loss. As there are no appropriate words of sympathy for a loss of this magnitude, simply know you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you, watch over you and give you strength during this difficult time.
Liz Stiffel
December 1, 2009
You and your entire family have my deepest and sincerest sympathy.
Liz Stiffel
Mackenzie Cohn
November 30, 2009
Dear Aunt Ilana,
Please put this note near Uncle Dick’s grave – I would like him to read this when he goes up to heaven.
Dear Uncle Dick,
I cried my heart out when I heard the news, I can’t believe how many things I didn’t get to tell you since the last time I saw you. For starters this summer, I met a new friend his name is Michael and two new girls are starting at my school – one is already here the other is moving from Wisconsin and she hasn’t come yet – she is in my class – her name is Tait. Isabella is the other girl who is already here – she is very, very nice. This past summer I met the President, Nat & Alex Wolf and Nick Jonas. I really miss you , you were like a Grandfather to me. You treated me like I was your granddaughter and you made me feel like that too. I am devastated and dumbfounded, and just plain old sad. I can not believe I couldn’t see you just one more time before you died. I am writing this to you just an hour after you died. Why now, why the day after Thanksgiving when I was thankful for you and Aunt Ilana being alive. You were like family to me. I just can’t bear it. I just really, really miss you Uncle Dick. No matter how far away we are from each other, I will always love you Uncle Dick. I really miss you. I hope when you read this you will be happy that I told you all of these things. I really, really miss you.
With all of my love and tears,
Mackenzie Cohn
Matthew Cohn
November 30, 2009
Ilana, I don't have the words to express my sadness about Uncle Dick. He meant more to our family than you could know. I wish I had the words to somehow make it a little better, but sadly, I don't.
Uncle Dick was a great, kind, caring, wonderful man. Who made the world a better place and each person who got to know him was truly blessed. He will be missed greatly.
Ilana, I am very sorry for your loss. My hope is that the memories of the many wonderful times you shared will help you get through this difficult time.
I love you.
- Matthew
November 30, 2009
Illana, Gail and I send our deepest sympathy to you and Max. Dick was a wonderful man and I feel privileged to have known him. He touched my life as he did so many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phil and Gail Gilbert
Richard Silberman
November 30, 2009
Judge Rovner,
I was fortunate to have been a neurology resident at Northwestern when Dr. Rovner was an attending. I learned a great deal from this man. He was a fantastic doctor with a wonderful personality. To this day i still use and pass along many of the clinical pearls he taught me. I also will always remember the kindness the two of you showed me when inviting the residents to your home. My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely, Richard Silberman, MD.
Billie Paige
November 30, 2009
Ilana and Max,
My heart is broken--for you and for all of us who loved him!
I cannot be there tomorrow. I have just had eye surgeery,
but at 11:00 I will stop to remember and say a prayer for my
dear friend/doctor and remember again. I envy the angels!
Billie Paige
Ariana & Benjamin Lipman
November 30, 2009
Judge Rovner,
Please accept our condolences on your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Hellee Johanson
November 30, 2009
To the Rovner family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I've been serving on the Epilepsy Foundation board with Dr. Rovner. He will be greatly missed in the Epilepsy community. He has helped so many people who struggle with Epilespy every day.
Hellee Johanson
Patricia Schaffer
November 30, 2009
Max,
I didn't have the chance to meet your father, but I'm sure, from all I've read, that he was a special man. The lessons that he taught you will certainly guide your steps throughout your life.
God bless you and your mother.
Your friend,
Patricia
Karen Tobin
November 30, 2009
Dear Ilana,
I was so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. He was always so kind and I can't even picture what he would look like without a smile on his face. The obvious love and respect in your relationship was inspirational.
I will keep you and Max in my prayers as you face the difficult days ahead.
I wish you God's Peace,
Karen Thompson Tobin
Fred Seifert
November 30, 2009
My thoughts of sympathy are with you
at your time of grief.
I join the many mourners in their
sorrow over this loss.
Ruth and Stuart Sikes
November 30, 2009
Our sympathies are with you and your son at this most difficult time. Although we only met your husband a few times, we knew immediately that he was a very special person. The way he led his life demonstrated that. Our thoughts are with you.
November 30, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,
I had the great pleasure of working for Dr Rovner.He was wonderful and a joy to work for. He will be missed.My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Chris Schwanbeck
November 30, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear about Dr. Rovner. I was a patient of his for over 30 years and his caring, sweet sarcasm and sense of humor made me always look forward to my appointments. He will never be forgotten. Please accept my deepest sympathies -
S. M. Green
Marsha & Michael Spak
November 30, 2009
You and your family will be in our thoughts tomorrow; and our prayers this week-end at services.
eugene szydelko
November 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tony and Doreen Clark
November 30, 2009
My dearest Ilana,
Life is a story book of never knowing what the next page will contain.
The first day we met each other we laughed so hard, such a laughter that perminitly binded us for eternity.
The Doctor has and will always continue to be one of the great men in my life.
He looked at life with excitment and energy every day with his boyish smile.
The glowing light he shined back in the world is where I stand.
I love you and God bless you and Max
forever.
Lourdes Fuentes
November 30, 2009
Dear Ilana, I was so saddend to hear of Dr. Rovner's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. The love that was shared by the both of you is inspirational. I will always remember his beautiful sense of humor. He will be missed greatly.
Nancy Simon Cooper
November 30, 2009
Ilana & Max
He was a wonderful man.
When my parents Roz & Seymour Simon were worried about me they sent me off to Richard. Everything was fine, but they knew that he would take care of me.
My parents adored him as did I.
We were all lucky to have him in our lives.
Nancy Simon Cooper
Myra Lipman
November 30, 2009
Dearest Lonnie and Max:
Words cannot convey my sorrow. Dick's charm and wit and love of life looms large and he will live in memory always.
Much love,
Myra
Robin Morgenstern
November 29, 2009
Dear Ilana,
I have known you and Dr. Richard many years, and always, always remember his gentle and sincere smile and greetings. He was a true gentleman and scholar. I know that he was a devoted husband, and was so proud of all your endeavors. It was truly a pleasure to have known such a man. All my love to you, and hope that the healing process will begin for you with the help of family and friends.
With love and my sincerest sympathy, Robin Morgenstern
Rhita Lippitz
November 29, 2009
Dear Judge Rovner,
I am saddened to read of your loss. I am Chuck Lippitz's widow, and I recall how much he admired you. I hope the love and support of your family and friends will help you in this difficult time.
November 29, 2009
Dear Aunt Ilana,
We are so sad about Uncle Dick. The love the 2 of you shared was extraordinary. You have both always been there for our family (in good times and bad)I hope you know that we are thinking of you (and Max) during this incredibly difficult time. Uncle Dick was a gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor who was always trying to please you and bring you joy. He loved you so....and we do too.
We will miss him.
Love, Stephanie and Rob Schaeffer (and family)
Sheldon Gray
November 29, 2009
Ilana: My most heart felt condolences.If I were not in cc myself, you know I would come to try and comfort you. You two had a wonderful life together and will leave you with warm memoires. May the good lord console and guide you through this difficult time.Sheldon
Judy Munson
November 29, 2009
Dear Ilana,
We are so saddened by this news. We will hold you and your son, Max, close to our hearts during this time of sorrow.
With love,
Judy and Lester Munson
Jane Mager Moellendorf
November 29, 2009
Dear Judge Rovner and Max,
I was truly saddened to read of your loss. I have many fond memories of your wonderful family. Dr Rovner was a very special person. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Kevin and Lisa Barron
November 29, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,We will so miss your wonderful Richard who graced so many lives by his strength, his intelligence, his humor and his important role in the medical community. The Barron Family, Albany,NY
November 29, 2009
Dear Ilana,
We are so deeply saddened by this news, Dick shall be forever remembered for his love of you, for you both lit up the room with the joy you exuded when you were together.
With love,
Judy and Lester Munson
Jo-Anne Wolfson
November 29, 2009
Dearest Ilana,
The unimaginable has happened. Equally unimaginable is healing; my prayer is that the process begins. The love and laughter sealed in your heart will remain untouched.
I send you . . . everything positive that I can fathom. Love always and forever, Jo-Anne
Alison Gibbs
November 29, 2009
I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful person and a pillar in the epilepsy community. May it provide much confort to know how close we are to finding the cure.
November 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are wth you and your family. Linda Dickens
Shirley and Michael Madigan
November 29, 2009
Dear Ilana and Max,
So sorry for the loss of the love of your life and your father. We shall cherish all of the wonderful memories and times that we have had together.
God bless you and we love you very much.
steve and Laura Brackett
November 29, 2009
Judge llana and Max and Jack,
Stveve and I are so sadden about the losss of,
Dr. Rovner. He was a remarkable man. It was a honor to have him in our lives. You will be missed alot.
Love,
Siggy and Dolores Kimmel
November 29, 2009
You have our deepest sympathy to you and your family.our thoughts are with you.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in RICHARD ROVNER's name
Memorial Events
for RICHARD ROVNER
Funeral services provided by:
Goldman Funeral Group - Skokie Chapel8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
How to support RICHARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RICHARD ROVNER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more