Funeral Details

Eugene “Gene” Litwin, 80, passed away on March 19, 2024. Beloved husband of Janis Litwin. Loving father of Matt Litwin (Maria) Cudia, Jon Litwin, Katherine Litwin (Chad) Swan, Dr. Ian Litwin (Brenda) Paro. Adoring grandfather of Jolene Swan. Devoted brother of Howard (Edie) Litwin and Mira (Dr. Ken) Tomchik.

Born in Chicago to Joseph and Sylvia Litwin, Gene grew up in Humboldt Park, living in a two flat with his Grandparents on Christiana Avenue. A highlight of childhood were summers spent in Union Pier with his family and cousins. At thirteen his family moved to Rogers Park, where he attended Sullivan High School. Gene was the first person in his immediate family to attend college. He pursued a PhD in Philosophy, and completed dual Masters degrees, in Philosophy of Science and Mechanical Engineering at UIUC. A skilled clarinet player, he performed in UIUC’s marching band. As a young man he lived in Southern California, returning to Chicago to marry, and moving to Buffalo Grove in 1981 to raise a family. He worked as an expert witness in forensic engineering and ran his own safety consulting company. He testified at thousands of trials over the course of his career and published articles advocating for improved safety standards.

Gene was a member of MEL: Men Enjoying Leisure. Gene loved travel, meeting new people, and debating philosophical questions. He was a fan of artworks with a surrealist bent. Gene was fascinated by technological innovation and its potential benefits for humanity. He instilled a lifelong love of literature in his children, and will be remembered for his dry wit, his keen interest in people, his unconquerable optimism, and his playful, ever-present sense of humor. Services are private. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com