Stanley Roy Birer

Stanley Roy Birer (1933-2025)

Born the third of three boys to Morris and Esther Birer, Stanley grew up in Hempstead, N.Y.  A strong scholar, he received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Cornell University where he also graduated from the Cornell University School of Law.

While in law school, he married and was called to active service, entering the Air Force as a Lieutenant.  After his discharge from the military, he and his wife returned to Cornell so he could finish his degree.  The couple subsequently moved to Long Island N.Y. where he went into the family laundry business, and they raised 3 children.  Stanley extended his laundry "empire" across the country, with holdings in NY, Cincinnati, Chicago and Berkeley, CA.

In 1982, the empty nesters moved to Flossmoor, IL and were warmly welcomed by the community to their new home.  They became deeply involved in supporting the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and were bestowed a lifetime achievement award in May 2025.  Stanley also tutored reading and mathematics to students at Arcadia Elementary School.

A passionate wine collector, gourmand and bon vivant, Stanley loved nothing more than having  friends and family over, entertaining and sharing bottles from his wine cellar.  He traveled the country and the globe with Lois and other family members, visiting every continent. When not traveling, he could be found at home working on his garden and listening to classical music.

Stanley leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Lois (Lowenstein), his two daughters, Meg Haney (Dale) and Lisa Birer (Sam Levey), his son Steven Birer (Zoë), his grandson Samuel Birer (Samara) and his two great-granddaughters, Naomi and Eliana.  He has also left a very large hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Stanley's life will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at ipomusic.org/support.

The family asks you to please share a favorite memory or story about Stan in the comments for all to enjoy.