Oliver Brown Leopold
October 10, 2002 - December 9, 2021
Service is private
Memorial Contributions
Evanston Police and Fire Foundation
1454 Elmwood Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
www.epff.org
OBITUARY
Oliver Brown Leopold, passed away on December 9th of an apparent suicide.
Beloved son of Alexander Brown and Mary Leopold, brother to Miles Leopold, adored grandson of Ronald and Ellen Brown, Carolyn Kaplan, and Thomas and Janet Leopold. Cherished nephew of Jennifer Leopold and Steven Katz, Joanne Leopold, James Donohue and Martha Grover, Dana and Jeanne Brown, Emily and Adam Rudman, Elizabeth Kaplan, Andrew Goodwin and Sarah Heil, Elizabeth Goodwin and Fred Roberts, and beloved cousin to many. Oliver was an extraordinary person who accomplished more than seems possible in his 19 years. His passion for serving the community, seeking solutions to problems and challenging himself to reach new heights central to his essence. Oliver was a computer whiz, entrepreneur, YouTube phenom, camp counselor, published author, first responder, pep rally leader, triathlete, youngest stock trader to be interviewed on a national program, animal lover, and strict vegan who was deeply appreciated by all who knew him. He graduated early from high school so he could become an EMT on the front lines during COVID, working both on an ambulance and in an emergency room. Oliver took a gap year so he could become a paramedic and continue to be of service. In addition, he was a passionate Fire Explorer through the Evanston Fire Department and was inspired to create an App that was immediately adopted by Evanston Fire Dept. In high school, he was the voice that greeted every Evanston High School student over the loud speaker each morning and created an App that revolutionized the way students navigated their schedules. Above and beyond all his inventions and accolades, Oliver was deeply compassionate, curious, and engaged. He was a loyal and loving friend to many. He wanted so much to make the world a better place, and he most certainly did. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the chapel service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation, 1454 Elmwood, Evanston, Illinois 60201, www.epff.org. To attend the funeral live stream Sunday 3 PM, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
GUEST BOOK
We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Oliver Brown Leopold below and we will share them with the family.
Alexander I have no words to express my sadness and sorrow over this tragic news. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Michael Solock
Michael Solock
December 10, 2021
My condolences goes out to you and your family during this difficult time
Leslie Wallace
Leslie Wallace
December 10, 2021
Mary, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words can not express how sad I am for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb Sheridan
Barb Sheridan
December 10, 2021
So, so sorry for your tragic loss. Hard to know what else to say.
Jane and Bob Grover
Jane and Bob Grover
December 10, 2021
Dear Mary, Alexander, and Miles,
I am so sorry about Oliver. Sending you all my love and hugs.
Love,
Loren
Loren Deutsch
I am so sorry about Oliver. Sending you all my love and hugs.
Love,
Loren
Loren Deutsch
December 10, 2021
Oliver was the most driven person I knew. At a young age we thought he was going to use his ambition and drive to be rich and famous. As we got older we realized that Oliver would rather use his ambition and drive to help people. This loss has been especially hard not just for me but for the world.
My condolences to the family
anonymous freind
My condolences to the family
anonymous freind
December 10, 2021
Ever since kindergarten at Orrington, Oliver has been greatly admired by so many of his peers. I wasn’t sure whether he’d become the president, an astronaut, or a Nobel prize winning scientist, but I always knew he was going to reach great heights. Whether he was getting his pilots license, training to become an EMT, or spotting Tesla’s, he was always actively improving his record. While his life was much too short, he accomplished way more in his 19 years then many do in 90. I am deeply sorry to Alexander and Mary, who I know Oliver loved.
RIP Oliver
Anonymous Friend
RIP Oliver
Anonymous Friend
December 10, 2021
Sending warmth.
Kate Neisser
Kate Neisser
December 11, 2021
My condolences
Lavinia Benson
Lavinia Benson
December 11, 2021
I rarely had the chance to spend time with Oliver but when I was very pregnant with my twins and Oliver was nearly two I spent some days with Mary and the family. Oliver kept wandering over to me and leaning into my leg and looking up at me with those big big eyes. I think he even clambered into my lap. He was so sweet and winsome. (Miles had an impish grin the throughout.) Those were some of the sweetest days I had that summer. His light was strong and gentle. I am so so sorry. May his memory be a blessing.
Robin Aronson
Robin Aronson
December 11, 2021
Deepest condolences.
Burns Terrence
Burns Terrence
December 11, 2021
To Oliver's parents and brother,
I recently met Oliver over Zoom as we were both voted on as Members, Board of Directors of the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation. In fact, Oliver was the youngest voted as a Board Member. From that one meeting, in hearing of his glowing recommendation by a Fire Department official, I was looking forward to serving with him. I chuckle as I saw one of his YouTube posts: one of getting his scanner to turn on his bedroom light in red to tie into any call. As brilliant as that was, in that short evening, he valued his sleep and he thanked his parents for your patience. In reading his obituary - sad to say that word, obituary - all that Oliver accomplishef in his 19 years, how many young people can say as much and what he yet had to offer the Evanston Community and the world. My deepest sympathy.
MICHAEL JAMES SCHRAM
I recently met Oliver over Zoom as we were both voted on as Members, Board of Directors of the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation. In fact, Oliver was the youngest voted as a Board Member. From that one meeting, in hearing of his glowing recommendation by a Fire Department official, I was looking forward to serving with him. I chuckle as I saw one of his YouTube posts: one of getting his scanner to turn on his bedroom light in red to tie into any call. As brilliant as that was, in that short evening, he valued his sleep and he thanked his parents for your patience. In reading his obituary - sad to say that word, obituary - all that Oliver accomplishef in his 19 years, how many young people can say as much and what he yet had to offer the Evanston Community and the world. My deepest sympathy.
MICHAEL JAMES SCHRAM
December 11, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Brown and Leopold families. While I did not personally know Oliver I know Alex from Skokie Valley and I can definitely see where Oliver got his talents and smarts from. May the families know of no more sorrow.
Ron Weiner
Ron Weiner
December 11, 2021
My deepest condolences.
I had the honor of working with Oliver on the ambulance. His compassion was second to none. He cared and it showed. He will be greatly missed.
Joshua Nicholas
I had the honor of working with Oliver on the ambulance. His compassion was second to none. He cared and it showed. He will be greatly missed.
Joshua Nicholas
December 11, 2021
Oliver was an amazing friend and an even better person. He was an inspiration to everyone at ETHS and was destined for success. But more importantly, he was an incredibly charming, funny, deep thinker, and all-around beautiful human. He will be severely missed by so many though I hope he rests easy now.
Anonymous Friend
Anonymous Friend
December 11, 2021
Mary, Alexander and Miles,
Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow over Oliver’s passing. My heart aches for all of you and for all who knew and loved Oliver. He was an amazing young man who accomplished many great things in his short life. He always put his prodigious talents to use for the betterment of the world, with a heart full of compassion. Sending you love and prayers, with my deepest condolences.
Coleen Reedy
Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow over Oliver’s passing. My heart aches for all of you and for all who knew and loved Oliver. He was an amazing young man who accomplished many great things in his short life. He always put his prodigious talents to use for the betterment of the world, with a heart full of compassion. Sending you love and prayers, with my deepest condolences.
Coleen Reedy
December 11, 2021
I had the privilege of watching Oliver grow through the years first as a camper then as a co-worker. He was a great leader who lead with compassionate and knowledge.
Jon Novotny
Jon Novotny
December 11, 2021
I was so very saddened by the news of Oliver's passing. Oliver helped my son set up his chromebook on one of his first days at ETHS. I could not believe how courteous and helpful Oliver was trying to help as many new students as possible, he just had something so special and enthusiastic about him that I will never forget that short moment we shared with him. I know he has touched so many lives. My thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. May you feel surrounded by the love of the community and find comfort and peace.
Catharina Maerklin
Catharina Maerklin
December 11, 2021
Condolences to your family on the tragic loss of Oliver. I met Oliver a few times in passing and was impressed with his intelligence, passion to serve and his enthusiasm for the Evanston Fire Department. A good soul gone way too soon. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Gobat
Evanston Fire Department
Tim Gobat
Tim Gobat
Evanston Fire Department
Tim Gobat
December 11, 2021
I am an Operations Supervisor at MedEx Ambulance where Oliver worked on Sundays. I met him when I was new to the company when they had a transfer patient who started wheezing, I intercepted him and his partner and determined with Medical Control the best plan to continue transport. I also interacted with him several times after that. He was always a smiling, pleasant young man who made my bad days better. I'm devastated by his passing as I know you are. He was a smart, caring young man and this will never make sense. Oliver and your family are in my thoughts. There will be peace. It will just take time. Sometimes, too long.
Jason Cicillian
Jason Cicillian
December 11, 2021
I cannot express my sympathies or condolences deeply enough. I never had the pleasure of partnering with Oliver but I did have the honor of knowing him at Medex. He always had a smile and was so smart. I lost a brother last year to suicide and while it can't compare to losing a child, I share in a small part of your pain. May you be comforted among the mourners of Israel and tziyon.
Shaya Goldmeier
Shaya Goldmeier
December 11, 2021
I first got to know the kind of person Oliver was in sixth grade. As a boy, I had the usual dream of getting popular on youtube. During that school year, I learned about Oliver, who, as a middle schooler, had over 3,000 subscribers. Out of extreme envy, a friend and I would watch many of his videos (of course, in secret). I remember staring at the bookshelf background prominent in many of his videos and wondering, "how is he this successful and yet only my age."
It was this same thought that I asked myself through high school. Using his app, the eths bell, or hearing his voice on the announcements, it became quite clear to me that Oliver was going to be successful. Each interaction I had with him was full of joy, and as I got to know him more, with funk. Every little thing I learned about him baffled me. The firetruck story takes the cake. Rightfully nominated as the "next Dr. Witherspoon," Oliver was a light to our community. Even if I put all of his material achievements aside, Oliver was still an extraordinary human being. A selfless, positive force whom anyone could lean on. A person that struck bliss into the hearts of those privileged enough to have a conversation with him.
Oliver, you were an inspiration to most and a friend to all. I feel very lucky that I had you in my life, and I look forward to being with you again in the next.
May your memory be an eternal blessing.
An Anonymous Friend
It was this same thought that I asked myself through high school. Using his app, the eths bell, or hearing his voice on the announcements, it became quite clear to me that Oliver was going to be successful. Each interaction I had with him was full of joy, and as I got to know him more, with funk. Every little thing I learned about him baffled me. The firetruck story takes the cake. Rightfully nominated as the "next Dr. Witherspoon," Oliver was a light to our community. Even if I put all of his material achievements aside, Oliver was still an extraordinary human being. A selfless, positive force whom anyone could lean on. A person that struck bliss into the hearts of those privileged enough to have a conversation with him.
Oliver, you were an inspiration to most and a friend to all. I feel very lucky that I had you in my life, and I look forward to being with you again in the next.
May your memory be an eternal blessing.
An Anonymous Friend
December 11, 2021
The Oakton Community College Fire Science Faculty & Staff are wishing your family increasing strength today and renewed hope in the coming days. We will always remember Oliver as a kind, talented and gifted student. Like many first responders, we knew he had the passion, desire and courage to reach his career goals. The fire and EMS community will truly miss Oliver as an enthusiastic and exceptional individual. May he be at peace.
Spencer Kimura
Spencer Kimura
December 11, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alberto and Klara Renteria
Alberto and Klara Renteria
December 11, 2021
What I write comes from love and kindness, the love and kindness you and our FP family gave to my wife and I when cancer wrote the final chapter in her life. It was hard, then and now. But remembering is healing, even at a time when we feel so many things so deeply all at once. With your support, I never felt alone and I wish for you the warmth of love and kindness that has meant so much to me. Jeff Flodin
Jeff Flodin
Jeff Flodin
December 12, 2021
Dear Mary and Alexander,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.
What can I say…? Are there words one can say when parents loose their sun and a brother his brother? If there are, I don’t know them. My deepest condolences on the loss of Oliver. I wish you all the strength in the world to cope with this immense loss.
Amarens
Amarens Schuurmans
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.
What can I say…? Are there words one can say when parents loose their sun and a brother his brother? If there are, I don’t know them. My deepest condolences on the loss of Oliver. I wish you all the strength in the world to cope with this immense loss.
Amarens
Amarens Schuurmans
December 12, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I felt such a sadness when I heard the news and still a bit of disbelief. Oliver was an amazing young person who I had the pleasure of teaching, but Oliver taught me a lot as well. His kindness and genuine curiosity will be something I will always remember. Your family is in my thoughts.
Haven Teacher
Haven Teacher
December 12, 2021
So sorry for you loss, no words can but just to say my family n I will have uyoun family in our prays to give you all strength
Kokila Rathod
Kokila Rathod
December 12, 2021
Sending love to everyone. Oliver had such a beautiful smile, and I wish I could see him and talk to him forever. Every time I see a fire truck, I think about how lucky the world was to have Oliver. Every time I see his family and home, I think about how lucky WE were to have Oliver. He was an incredible, incredible person.
Max Gingold
Max Gingold
December 12, 2021
Oliver was my boxing instructor last summer when I first joined. He has the warmest soul, and was always positively talked about. He brightened up my day and always had the most genuine attitude and motivation I’ve ever seen in anyone. He influenced me to be the best person I could and supported me immensely within the first day we met. All my love goes out to him and he is an inspiration to me always. May he be at peace.
Anonymous Friend
Anonymous Friend
December 12, 2021
Dear Mary, Alexander and Miles,
We were so lucky to have had Oliver in our family and always enjoyed hearing him talk about his latest endeavors with such enthusiasm. He was such a kind young man and he will be missed. We are sending you all of our love and deepest condolences during this unspeakably difficult time.
Love,
Barb, Chris, Charlie and Julia
Barbara Leopold
We were so lucky to have had Oliver in our family and always enjoyed hearing him talk about his latest endeavors with such enthusiasm. He was such a kind young man and he will be missed. We are sending you all of our love and deepest condolences during this unspeakably difficult time.
Love,
Barb, Chris, Charlie and Julia
Barbara Leopold
December 12, 2021
Oliver is pure love and I will carry him in my heart always.
Kappy
Kappy Bensinger
Kappy
Kappy Bensinger
December 13, 2021
With great sorrow echo the voices of many, all of us who were honored to cross paths with Oliver, we are going to miss you tremendously.
My sincere condolences to Oliver’s family, and he was part of many families. Might the warm light of his smile, his charisma and all the great memories bring some comfort through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Carlos V
Carlos Valdez
My sincere condolences to Oliver’s family, and he was part of many families. Might the warm light of his smile, his charisma and all the great memories bring some comfort through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Carlos V
Carlos Valdez
December 13, 2021
Dear Mary, Alexander, Miles, and your entire family,
I did not know Oliver. Instead I received an email from ETHS because I have a son who attends currently. Firstly thank you for sharing with the ETHS community otherwise I would not have learned about your wonderful son/brother/granson/nephew/cousin/friend. I watched the service and was struck by not only what a special young man he was, but what a great family he had as well. Your loss is something that is cannot be measured, there are simply no words for this as someone said. Be proud that Oliver was a great person in good part because he had great family and friends around him to allow him to actualize the good and the love he had inside of him and he gave that back to the world.
In learning about his life I am a bit ashamed that I have not done more to help others and simultaneously inspired to do much more good like that young man did every day. Oliver is the type of person I would have loved to meet and have as a friend. From the stories that have been shared I feel like I know him just a bit. Thank you so much for sharing. My love goes out to all of you.
Anonymous Friend
I did not know Oliver. Instead I received an email from ETHS because I have a son who attends currently. Firstly thank you for sharing with the ETHS community otherwise I would not have learned about your wonderful son/brother/granson/nephew/cousin/friend. I watched the service and was struck by not only what a special young man he was, but what a great family he had as well. Your loss is something that is cannot be measured, there are simply no words for this as someone said. Be proud that Oliver was a great person in good part because he had great family and friends around him to allow him to actualize the good and the love he had inside of him and he gave that back to the world.
In learning about his life I am a bit ashamed that I have not done more to help others and simultaneously inspired to do much more good like that young man did every day. Oliver is the type of person I would have loved to meet and have as a friend. From the stories that have been shared I feel like I know him just a bit. Thank you so much for sharing. My love goes out to all of you.
Anonymous Friend
December 13, 2021
I did not personally know Oliver but I have heard so many amazing things about him. The way he smiled, the people he helped, the way he cared for everyone around him, his amazing adventures, and so many other things. He left a tremendous impact on everyone he came in contact with and seemed to be an amazing person. He will continue to be remembered in many hearts and in the memories people hold.
My thoughts go out to all of you.
- Emery
Emery Sterling
My thoughts go out to all of you.
- Emery
Emery Sterling
December 13, 2021
May you and your family find peace and light in this difficult time.
Carol Karpinski
Carol Karpinski
December 16, 2021
We all have many memories about you as an omnipresent to our world. You are missed vastly. May God Be With You To Eternity. Love You Always. Hugs.
Sonya, Rick and Nick
Richard Freeman
Sonya, Rick and Nick
Richard Freeman
December 18, 2021
Dear Mary and Alexander,
I knew Oliver from 9 Round which I attended regularly, 2-3 times a week, for three years. I was absolutely shocked when my son, who is a senior at ETHS, told me the terrible news. Oliver was the manager or assistant manager at 9 Round when I attended, pre-Covid. At first, I was surprised that such a young boy would be manager, but it quickly became apparent how professional, inspirational, supportive, competent and kind Oliver was and what an incredible manager he was (much better than any of the adults there to be honest). He would hold the pads for me when I boxed and I was always impressed with his ability to do it "just right" which is a real skill most of the adult trainers had not succeeded in learning. I always had a great workout because of Oliver but most importantly I always felt happy and good about myself because Oliver made me smile and feel good. I would go home and tell my son, Aryeh, all about my great workout and my interesting conversations with Oliver. Oliver's smile was warm and bright and his eyes were full of joy. He was definitely a shining light. I watched his memorial and couldn't believe all he had accomplished in such a short time. A true inspiration to all and a tremendous loss to your family and the whole community. Rabbi Hart did an incredible job, always so thoughtful (I attend Kol Sasson downstairs from SVAJ, with my good friend and yours, Judy Sloane). Rabbi Hart was right. Chanukah brought light but it was followed by darkness with the loss of Oliver.
May his memory be for a blessing.
My deepest condolences,
Debbie Lesch
Debbie Lesch
I knew Oliver from 9 Round which I attended regularly, 2-3 times a week, for three years. I was absolutely shocked when my son, who is a senior at ETHS, told me the terrible news. Oliver was the manager or assistant manager at 9 Round when I attended, pre-Covid. At first, I was surprised that such a young boy would be manager, but it quickly became apparent how professional, inspirational, supportive, competent and kind Oliver was and what an incredible manager he was (much better than any of the adults there to be honest). He would hold the pads for me when I boxed and I was always impressed with his ability to do it "just right" which is a real skill most of the adult trainers had not succeeded in learning. I always had a great workout because of Oliver but most importantly I always felt happy and good about myself because Oliver made me smile and feel good. I would go home and tell my son, Aryeh, all about my great workout and my interesting conversations with Oliver. Oliver's smile was warm and bright and his eyes were full of joy. He was definitely a shining light. I watched his memorial and couldn't believe all he had accomplished in such a short time. A true inspiration to all and a tremendous loss to your family and the whole community. Rabbi Hart did an incredible job, always so thoughtful (I attend Kol Sasson downstairs from SVAJ, with my good friend and yours, Judy Sloane). Rabbi Hart was right. Chanukah brought light but it was followed by darkness with the loss of Oliver.
May his memory be for a blessing.
My deepest condolences,
Debbie Lesch
Debbie Lesch
December 18, 2021
Mary and Alexander and Miles, I am seldom on Facebook, and just logged on to see your tragic news. I am in shock and sorrow and sending you both strength. Mary, I distinctly remember during our brief reunion in Chicago in 2014, 25 years after your graduation, sharing stories of our kids, and your description of Oliver, as an independent, energetic and upbeat computer fan. You said he would love what we were doing with the "Internet of Things" and our sensor-kit, the WunderBar. I imagined him coming to Berlin for an internship. You were so full of brightness and joy and radiant and laughing in your descriptions of Oliver. I know he brought you so much happiness and hope. Hold on to that radiance and laughter! There is so much light on the other side of this darkness. Sending strong hugs and uplifting thoughts to you and your family. Please let me know if I/we can help. - Jackson
Jackson Bond
Jackson Bond
December 20, 2021