Jerome William Bilski

Jerome William Bilski, known to friends and fans as Sable Barrett, had a final curtain call on May 3, 2025, in Chicago, IL. Born on April 7, 1954, he spent a lifetime making the world a brighter, more interesting place with his talents as a musician, writer, and artist.
Today, we celebrate a man who never met a horror movie he didn't like or a Chicago sports game he didn't have a passionate opinion about Sable, as he preferred to be called, lived a life that would have filled a library's worth of books, had he ever sat still long enough to write them all down. He shared his journey with his loving wife, Andrea Tubby, and his son, Napoleon Bilski A maestro on the stage and a wizard with words, Sable's creative spirit touched many. He had a knack for storytelling that could rival the best of them, and his art was the kind that made you think, laugh, and sometimes question your sanity-all in the best ways, of course. Like any true artist, he was a walking contradiction; intelligent enough to discuss the nuances of world history, yet spirited enough to debate why the '85 Bears were the greatest team to ever grace the gridiron.
Sable's interests were as eclectic as his wardrobe on stage. He could spend hours buried in books about the esoteric, only to emerge with theories that would make your head spin-though always with a twinkle in his eye that let you know he didn't take anything too seriously. And let's not forget his dedication to Chicago sports. Win or lose, you could hear his cheers (and jeers) from any corner of the city. His love for horror flicks was legendary. He'd watch with a critic's eye but a fan's heart, always ready with a quip or a piece of trivia to share. One of his delights was showing new friends all of the horror movies he thought they would enjoy.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Sable was a breath of fresh air. His intelligence, creativity, and spirited nature made every encounter with him an unforgettable one. He had a way of making you laugh, even when you were determined to be grumpy. As Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Sable not only kept his spark but fanned it into a bonfire that warmed all who knew him.
While we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we do so with a smile, knowing that the memories he's left us with are as rich and vibrant as the life he led. Jerome "Sable Barrett" Bilski may have left the stage, but his encore will continue in the stories we share, the music we listen to, and the horror movies we watch with just a little more appreciation.
As we say goodbye to Sable, we imagine him strumming his guitar somewhere out there, a mischievous grin on his face, ready to startle the afterlife with his signature blend of humor and heart.
Sable, you were one of a kind, and you will be dearly missed. Keep the afterlife on its toes; we wouldn't expect anything less from you.