Harvey John Amen

Harvey John Amen, age 79, passed away on November 7, 2025, at the Avow Hospice Inpatient facility in Naples Florida after a 9-month battle with cancer. He fought a courageous battle all the way till the end.

Harvey was born and raised in Chicago Illinois where he attended Austin High School. While he was at Austin, he was a star athlete in both basketball and baseball. He pitched the entire city championship game in Wrigley Field and went on to win the game. He was scouted by many major league teams and received offers to sign with the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He was advised by his high school coach to further his education and pitching talents, so he took a scholarship to a small school in lowa. In his second year of college, he injured his arm and unfortunately that ended any hopes of a major league career. Harvey met his high school sweetheart, Shirley, while at Austin. They were married on September 30, 1967, and had 58 wonderful years together. Three months after they were married, he was drafted into the Army. He served his first year in the states learning to be a radio operator and was then sent to Vietnam and was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Division operating around Saigon. Harvey received a Purple Heart for injuries he received while in Vietnam. Once discharged from the service, Harvey returned to school and received his bachelor's degree in education and also a master's degree in Recreational Administration. He taught physical education in grades K-8 for seven years.

His passion was always coaching boys' baseball, and he was instrumental in organizing an American Legion team in Carol Stream Illinois. He and his assistant coaches actually built the American Legion field at the American Legion in Carol Stream. The field, to this day, is still being used by one of the area colleges.

After leaving teaching, Harvey went into Educational Sales and worked for Harcourt Brace, Steck Vaughn and a few other major educational publishers. A major change in his career came when he was encouraged to become an "independent book representative" by a dear friend. He was very successful and respected by all major publishing companies. He remained in sales for nearly 30 years and retired when the focus changed from supplemental materials to more computer-based products.

Harvey was instrumental in establishing a preschool at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream Illinois and was also named "Citizen of the Year" for both his preschool efforts and the American Legion team.

At the young age of 50, Harvey decided to take up the game of golf. It became one of his sports obsessions. After retirement, we started spending more and more time in Marco Island FL, first as snowbirds and then later we became full time residents in 2021. In 2011 we joined the Island Country Club on Marco Island. This was the highlight of his retirement. We have met the most wonderful friends, and they have surrounded us with love each and every day.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Edna Amen (nee Waalk) and his brother, Gerald and sister-in-law Gail (née Jensen). He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (née Loveall) a daughter, Heather Lynn Vulpone (née Amen), son-in-law Joseph Vulpone, a son, Brett Scott, daughter-in-law Valerie (née Schackmann) and five wonderful grandsons, Tyler, Benjamin and Nathan Vulpone, Everett and Barrett Amen. Harvey also leaves behind a loving sister Faith Lowe (née Amen), brother-in-law Robert, and brother-in-law James Loveall, sister-in-law Emily (nee Lin) and numerous nephews and nieces, along with many great nephews and great nieces.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am on December 3, 2025, at Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island, Fl 34145, with a luncheon to follow in the church hall.

A second celebration of life will be held at Countryside Funeral Home, 950 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett IL on December 27th, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Harvey with a donation to the American Cancer Society in his name.