Steven Allan Helfand

Helfand, Steven Allan December 4, 1940 - February 2, 2024. Devoted husband of Patti (nee Fishman). Beloved father of Amy and Hedy. Fond father-in-law of Michael Miller, Patrick Kelly, and Duncan Kennedy. Proud "Papa Steve" to Lucas, True, and Everett Miller, Rowan Helfand Kelly, and Sean and Gabrielle Kelly. Beloved big brother of Dale (late Butch) Matten and David Helfand. Loving brother-in-law to Esther Fishman and Maryanne (late Fred) Fishman. Uncle and cousin to many.

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Steve was born in East Rogers Park, Chicago, the first child of Dorothy and Irving Helfand. After a short stint in California and another on the South Side (and the birth of sister Dale and brother David), the family moved back to Jarvis Avenue in Rogers Park, and their identity as North Siders and die-hard Cubs fans was cemented.

Steve attended Sullivan High School and the University of Illinois at Champaign, where he was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, forming lifelong friendships and graduating in 1962 with a degree in Accounting, paving the way for his long career as a CPA.

After graduation, Steve went on a blind date with Patti, the lovely daughter of Louise and Nate Fishman. She was still in college, but that was it for both of them. On February 23, 1964, just after Patti's graduation, they were married. In the coming years, Patti and Steve welcomed their two daughters, Amy and Hedy.

Steve and Patti raised their girls in Glencoe and eventually welcomed 5 grandsons and 2 step-grandkids. Steve loved going out to hit golf balls with the boys, and made a point of spending as much time as possible with all of his grandchildren, both near and far. He also cherished his relationships with his siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and his many cousins.

Steve's career as a CPA led to fulfilling relationships with his fellow partners at KGN and Virchow Krause as well as with many long-time clients. His professional life was enriched by his leadership roles at the Jewish United Federation and the Council for Jewish Elderly.

Steve was an avid golfer, bowler, and sports fan, with his life-long love (and frustration) being the Chicago Cubs. A season ticket holder for 30+ years, he was thrilled to be around for the 2016 Cubs World Series victory! In his retirement, he spent many afternoons as a volunteer usher for the Cubs' spring training games in Scottsdale, AZ.

Steve and Patti cultivated a rich social life in both Chicago and Arizona, where they escaped the Chicago winters for many years. He cherished both his longtime friendships and the friends that he and Patti met more recently. Steve also loved good food and live music, and spent countless nights at both Ravinia and the Arizona Musicfest. He and Patti traveled all over the world, their last major trip together being a cruise to Alaska with all of the kids.

Steve spent the last chapter of his life in sunny Arizona. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family and friends, at age 83.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, 4255 N. Honore St. #209, Chicago, IL 60613 (http://give.rolfefoundation.org/Helfand) or LUNGevity Foundation, P.O.B. 754, Chicago,IL 60690 (www.lungevity.org)