Milton Thomas Sybert

Milton T. Sybert passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at his Northbrook, Illinois home, surrounded by family who loved and cared for him tenderly. Born November 26, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, Milt lived a full, remarkable life that warmed countless hearts.
Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Milt graduated from Libbey High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps, serving with the 1st Marine Air Wing during the Korean War. Though he spoke little of those years, his family honored his courage every Memorial and Veterans Day with heartfelt gratitude. After his service, Milt earned a business degree from Toledo University, beginning his career at Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company in Toledo before joining Chicago's Union Tank Car Company. There, he met Dorothy, a hard-working, energetic secretary whose spark ignited a lifelong love as his beloved wife and best friend.
In 1968, Milt entered the elevator industry, becoming a partner at Gregory Elevator Company and fostering its growth. His leadership shone in the National Association of Elevator Contractors, where he served on the Board of Directors and chaired the Educational Committee. After Gregory Elevator was sold to Westinghouse Electric Company in 1981, Milt and Dorothy purchased C.J. Anderson & Company in 1984, an elevator parts manufacturer, nurturing it with the same devotion he gave his family. He viewed the CJA team as extended family, remaining engaged-reading emails, reviewing reports, and collaborating with his son Tom, the company's president-until his final days.
Milt's heart was with his family and the Lakehouse he and Dorothy had built in Northern Wisconsin, a cherished retreat where laughter and stories flowed freely. A tennis enthusiast, he relished a lively match, a good book, a clever joke, a game of cribbage or other card game, a nap outside overlooking the lake, a good Western, a glass of gin, or a Manhattan with two cherries. Cherries, his favorite fruit, held a special place in his heart, tied to fond childhood summers at his grandparents' farm in Fort Jennings, Ohio, where he'd sneak a jar of canned cherries into the barn and savor every one. Known for his warmth and storytelling, Milt was loved by all, disliked by none, leaving smiles wherever he went.
Preceded in death by his mother, Alice Sybert (Keller); father, Ray Sybert; brother, Richard Sybert (Carol); sister, Shirley Sybert; and son, Steve Sybert, Milt is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Sybert (Gregory); sons, Tom Sybert (Tiffany) and Al Sybert (Jane); daughter-in-law, Mary Lou; nephew, Robbie; niece, Susan; grandchildren, Zack, Owen, Quinn, Stephanie, Kelsey, Lucas, Samantha ( Ben Hurd), and Jon (Jill); and great-grandchildren, Nolan, Nathan, Isabel, Henrik, Britta, and Benji. His love lives on through them.
A private family memorial will celebrate Milt's life. May his love and warmth continue to glow in every story shared and every smile exchanged. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Milt's memory.