Funeral Details

Sam Harris

May 13, 1935 - April 1, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Shimmy Susskind
Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills
Cantor Scott Simon

Interment

Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
Get Directions

Memorial Contributions

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
9603 Woods Drive
Skokie, Illinois 60077
www.ilholocaustmuseum.org
or
Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills
204 US Highway 45
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
www.chabadvernonhills.org




OBITUARY

Sam Harris (born Slamek Rzeznik) passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born in 1935 in Deblin, Poland, to Shmuel and Sheva, Sam was the youngest of seven siblings: Chuma, Yankel, Shifra, Rosa, David, and Sara. During the Holocaust, he and his sister Sara survived two concentration camps, protected by their older sister Rosa. They were the only three members of their immediate family to survive. After the war, Rosa arranged for Sam and Sara to immigrate to the United States. Via Ellis Island, they were adopted by different families in the Chicago area. Sam was adopted by Harriet and Ellis Harris and raised with his younger sister Sue Moses Thompson in Northbrook.

Sam graduated from New Trier High School and Grinnell College with a degree in Political Science. He met the love of his life, Dede, through her sister Carol and his brother-in-law Cal. They were happily married for 64 years and raised their children, Julie and David (of blessed memory), in Northbrook. After a successful career as a financial planner with Equitable, Sam dedicated the rest of his life to Holocaust education and remembrance.

A passionate advocate, he was instrumental in efforts to have a law passed that mandates Holocaust and genocide education in Illinois schools and played a leading role in the creation of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, which has become one of the leading Holocaust Museums in the world. For his work, Sam was honored locally, nationally, and internationally and has been the subject of several books and films.

Sam was a champion of love, understanding, and compassion. He is survived by his beloved wife Dede; daughter Julie (Jeff); grandchildren Jeremy and Jessica; and many cherished nieces and nephews: David (Amy), Barry (Donna), Ken (Wendy), Craig (Robby), Beth, Liz (Jim), Anne (Howard), Billy, and James (Kathy).

Funeral services Tuesday, 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Road (one block North of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, Illinois 60077, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org or Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills, 204 US Highway 45, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061, www.chabadvernonhills.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Sam Harris below and we will share them with the family.
*Email and phone numbers will NOT be displayed online


Sending our love and very deepest sympathy to the entire family and extended family, on the heartbreaking loss of our shining light, Uncle Sam. May everyone who was fortunate enough to know and adore this delightful soul be comforted by the fondest of memories, and may he rest in peace. Thinking of you all at this challenging time.

X O Lisa, Adam, Joshua and Zachary

Lisa Columbus
April 1, 2026
He was the best uncle anyone could have. Lots of great memeories over the years. He had a wonderful life, and had many friends and accomplished so
much in in life. May he rest in peace.

Anne Miller
April 2, 2026
I was so blessed to marry into the family and honored to have known Uncle Sam. I wanted to share a small memory and send my heartfelt condolences as we grieve the loss of Uncle Sam. His smile lit up a room! I will always remember his warmth and the way he made people feel welcome just by being himself. He had a quiet kindness and a sense of humor that stayed with you long after a conversation ended. It’s clear he meant so much to so many, and his presence will be deeply missed. Please know you’re in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope the memories shared bring comfort and peace in the days ahead.

With Deepest Sympathies,

Lisa and Lindsey Rothenberg, Hayley Lundsberg

Lisa Rothenberg
April 2, 2026
My father Leon and I just received the devastating news of Sam’s passing. We are sending all our love and heartfelt sympathy to Dede and Julie and all the rest of his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

Diane Joy (nee Lindenbaum)
April 2, 2026
The Shomrim Society of Illinois mourns the loss of this wonderful man. May Sam's memory be for a blessing.

Shomrim Society of Illinois
April 2, 2026
Sam will continue to be an inspiration to us all. He will never be forgotten at Vernon Hills Chabad, his spiritual home.

Karen and Elliot Cohen
April 2, 2026
Dede Jeff an Julie

Our beloved Sam is never gone his spirit, wisdom and who he is, was and always will be endures!

We love you

David Appel

David Appel
April 2, 2026
DEAREST DEDE OUR LOVE AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY...WE KNOW IT WAS WITH YOU AND ALL YOUR LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT SAM WAS ABLE TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD HIS LIFE STORY....WE HOPE ONE DAY SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET UP AGAIN IN JERUSALEM WE AWAIT YOU HERE WITH LOVE AND HUGH HUGS! LOVE SUE AND Joe freedman

Sue Freedman
April 3, 2026
It is with much sadness that Ken and myself send our condolences. May you be comforted by the memories and love you shared. May his memory be a blessing.
Love,
Harriet and Ken

Harriet Klayman
April 3, 2026
I am so saddened to hear of Sam's death. What a vital, energetic and positive guy! I met him when I became a docent at the Holocaust Foundation on Main Street, over 25 years ago. He was a large part of ensuring the legacy of Holocaust survivors and he worked tirelessly to that end. I will miss his cheerful and friendly demeanor. May his memory be for an eternal blessing and may his loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Israel and Zion.

Dalya (and Mike) Horowitz
April 4, 2026
Our deepest condolences to Dede, Julie, Jeff, and the family and friends who were lucky enough to know and be touched by wonderful Sam. His kindness, positive energy, and the legacy he leaves behind will never be forgotten. We feel so blessed to have had the chance to be part of Sam’s life. The world truly lost a warrior and he will never be forgotten. May his memory be for a blessing always.
-Nina and Tom Happ

Nina and Tom Happ
April 4, 2026
We extend our deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Sam Harris
We knew Sam to be a great man. I enjoyed my conversations with Sam

Sam had a unique personality very knowledgeable and yet very personable. I enjoyed playing golf with Sam and his son-in-law Jeff and my son Tom. I learned a lot from Sam Harris. I like the have a love of history and consider it very important to remember what has gone before. Our world has lost a solid citizen. He will be remembered by my wife and I. The legacy of Sam Harris and his dramatic efforts for the Chicago Holocaust Museum will live forever.

Frank and Sue Happ

Frank Happ
April 4, 2026
Dede
I was saddened to read about Sam’s passing. It was indeed an honor to be able to call him a friend.
I loved hearing all his stories, his bravery. What a legacy he has left for the family.
His memory be for a blessing.

Gloria Taussig
April 4, 2026
Dearest Dede & Family,

I was very saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. My condolences to ALL. I will cherish the many memories throughout the years.

Faith Salzstein

Faith Salzstein
April 5, 2026
Dear Dede, Our thoughts are with you and your family during this challenging time. We have so many beautiful memories of times we had to share with you and Sam that we cherish. As we all know, he was a special man, who enriched our lives with his positive spirit. The world is a better place because we were blessed with Sam. Fondly, Janice & Lee Gould

Janice & Lee Gould
April 5, 2026
Sending hugs and prayers to his family. My husband & I were fortunate to have known him. I met him when training as a Docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
He was such an inspiration to everyone he met.
Will treasure my signed copy of his book!
A major loss to our world!

Fran Dell Ellstein
April 5, 2026
I am so sad to hear of the death of my cousin Sam whom I have known all my life. Indeed one of my very earliest memories shows Sam’s humor and interest in children.When I was 3 and visiting his mom and family he decided I needed an adventure. He told me we were going on a pheasant hunt. He gave us salt shakers and told us we would approach pheasants and capture them by putting salt in their tail. I believed it. We didn’t catch pheasants but did have fun . Sam was also great to my parents. He will be missed by so many.

Jonathan Golden
April 5, 2026
Dede and family our deepest condolences. My mom Grace, used to work for all of you ever since she came to the USA. She loved and still loves you all. You were like family to her. I am so pleased to be part of your family through my mom. Sam always greeted me with a smile which never disappeared from his face. He was so welcoming, always, even though he went through so much in his life. I remember visiting Sam and Dede in Florida one time with my youngest. I went to spend time with my mom but they always made me feel so special. I remember going to the swimming pool with my mom, my little daughter (3 yo) and Sam. At one point Sam was swimming with my daughter Klaudia, it was so adorable to see them together.
It really breaks my heart that Sam is not with us anymore. He was such a wonderful person and I am so happy I had a chance to meet him.
Love
Ewa, Tom, Natalia, Michal, Angelika and Klaudia

Ewa and Tom with Kids
April 5, 2026
Dear Dede and family---Laural and I send our most sincere sympathy to you and your family. We treasured our relationship while you visited i the winters at Arizona. I still recall Sam's book. There are some persons who never really leave a mark on their existence. Sam was the epitome of just the opposite. He will be remembered by so many persons. Laural and I are two of those people. May his memory be for a blessing. With our love --Arnie and Laural Sigel

Arnold Sigel
April 5, 2026
Sam and I met when he was 13, and I was 12. We became best friends, and competed in all kinds of activities: wrestling (Sam always beat me), chess (again, Sam won), ping-pong
(Yes, Sam usually won; I realized that the only chance I had was by never getting ahead of him.). We remained close, and served as Best Man for one another’s weddings.
And his beloved Dede enriched his life as she became his forever soul mate, and my dear friend.

Sam shared very little about his early life, until many years later, when a chance meeting moved him to begin championing Holocaust survivors. He then shared his own story of being orphaned at age 4. When i asked him how he found the strength to survive his ordeal, Sam told me, “Mike, I was raised knowing how loved i was, and this sustained me.”

A a man, Sam resolved to make a difference, and he did, in a giant way—spearheading establishment of The Holocaust Museum and Teaching Center in Skokie, publishing a book about his early life, giving numerous talks and interviews, fund raising, and inspiring all he met. He will forever be one of my heroes, a model of courage, kindness, and determination. I will miss him, his wisdom, and his love.

Michael’s in Rappaport
April 5, 2026
Dear, dear Dede,
What a beautiful legacy Sam has left you, your entire family, all of who have loved both of you so dearly and the rest of the world.
He was truly “one of a kind” a man of strength, perseverance, love and kindness. i feel blessed to have had you both in my life for all these years.
With love and great sadness,
Fran

Fran Rappaport
April 6, 2026
Allan and I are so honored and blessed to have known Sam. Some people come in and out of your life and some leave footprints. We only knew Sam for a few years but he left us with huge memories. We will miss his wisdom and advice.
Despite all he went through he always had a smile on his face and believed that “ good will prevail”. If only there were more people like Sam. There was only one Sam! Modest but Mighty! He loved Dede and his family with his whole soul. He treated everyone with dignity and respect
What a loss to family, to friends, to the institutions he supported and indeed to the whole world!
We will miss you Sam but always hold you in our hearts.

Monica and Allan Goodwin
April 6, 2026
Dearest Dede,
So sorry to hear about wonderful Sam. The world needs more people like him.
My condolences and love to you, Julie and your grandchildren. You have always been
so close to my heart!

With love, Paula

Paula Stendel
April 6, 2026
Dede and family. We join in your sadness at Sam's passing. There is a Jewish tradition that in every generation there are 36 righteous people (tzaddikim) who maintain the world and prevent its destruction. There is no doubt that Sam was one of those 36. He succeeded lifting himself out of the horrors of the Shoa and making a new life for himself in the USA. He was the living definition of Chesed - loving kindness, for which no reward was expected .. Sue and I were privileged to have Sam and Dede at our wedding over 53 years ago, and to see you from time to time in Jerusalem. I (Joe) was privileged to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum when it was first dedicated. What an incredible legacy for the family and the Jewish community.! He will be sorely missed, but we will all remember his infectious smile and all that he stood for. May the memory of the righteous be for a blessing, and may the family be comforted in the Rebuilding of Zion. בּבניין ציון תנוחמו

Joe and Sue Freedman
April 7, 2026
Sam Harris was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known. His kindness and generosity of spirit were the hallmarks of his personality. His positive outlook on life and his love of people, despite his harrowing experiences during the war years, made him the unique individual he was. A true pillar of humanity, Sam’s contributions to the remembrance of the Holocaust, to make sure this horrific tragedy will never again be repeated or forgotten, will forever be inscribed in the annals of history. My wife Darlene and I send our deepest condolences and sympathy to Dee Dee and the family on the loss of this great humanitarian.

Rabbi Frank Muller
Naples, FL

Rabbi Frank Muller
April 7, 2026
I am honored to have been able to spent time with Sam. His incredible smile and all the wisdom that he was willing to share kept me hanging on his every word. What a great man.

Larry Jones
April 7, 2026
When I moved to the Chicago area a few years ago, I began volunteering at the Holographic Exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. When I heard Sam’s story, I could barely contain myself. I learned that Sam was liberated in 1945 from the same camp as my parents were-Częstochowa, in Poland. As he eloquently told his story and answered questions, I wondered if Sam had crossed paths with my parents. I wanted to meet Sam and ask him, but unfortunately never had the chance.

Thank you Sam, for sharing your important story with the world. You touched many lives, including mine. May Sam’s memory be a blessing.

Fran Pfeffer
April 7, 2026
Wishing you Dede, and all your family my deepest condolences on the loss of Sam, a special light has gone out. I met you both through my friend, Pat Gordon.
Celebrate the good, as there is much, and remember all Sam’s good deeds.
Fondly,
Linda Becker

Linda Becker
April 7, 2026
hamakom yinachem ...

jim Schwartz
April 7, 2026
We were so moved to hear the tributes and memories for Sam. I to have fond memories of Sam and will hold them dear to me. He will live forever in all of our hearts and minds.
Love to Dede and the whole family on this sad day.

Bob Hirsch
April 7, 2026
Dear Dede and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Sam. I have fond memories of you both when you were living next door to me in Buffalo Grove. Sam definitely had the gift of making everyone he met feel special and appreciated. He was never too busy to stop and chat and find out what was going on in my life. May all your wonderful memories of Sam give you joy and peace.

Pamela Yaeger
April 7, 2026
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Dede, Julie, Jeff and the entire family. What deep, meaningful and cherished memories I have with Sam who was an extended member of our family during the years the museum was still a dream and being built. As the child of survivors myself, I understood Sam as I understood my own parents. I appreciated his smile, strength and optimism. And in some way as the child of survivors, Sam acknowledged and knew how his strength was both familiar and so appreciated by me.

May Sam's good name forever be a blessing.

Forever in our hearts

Susan Hirschhaut

susan Hirschhaut
April 7, 2026
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Hirsch
(Wife of Arnie Hirsch)

Linda Hirsch
April 7, 2026
I served with Sam on the board of the Holocaust Museum. He brought inspiration and positive energy to every meeting. We will miss him on the board. May his memory be a blessing.

Judy Rader
April 7, 2026
Sam was a model Rotarian!

Michael Ellison
April 7, 2026
support.apple.com/en-us/120340. As one of my earliest endeavors at taking care of my cousin’s young daughter while she and Sam went to a party that night, I became nervous in the unfamiliar building. I reluctantly called them I was not able to continue the evening. They returned and politely said Sam would drive me home. (I was embarrassed but relieved). On the ride home Cousin Sam made me feel as though everything was alright again. He said nothing about my short coming. He and I were still learning about one another and he put me at total ease! I loved this man . All my favorite people thought so highly of him too! Yes, as a young person, I could see he was someone “special”
Carole Rothenberg

Carole Rothenberg
April 7, 2026
I too loved Sam. If it were not for Sam (and Dede’s) blessing, I might not have married my wife of 37+ years and counting.
Sam’s memory is for a blessing ❤️
Lee and Margaret Cohn

Lee Cohn
April 7, 2026
Sam was such a lovely man. He was always so kind to me as a docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. I will always remember his wit and his smile that meant “Just wanted to get to know you.”
His memory is a blessing to me.

Anne Hoversen
April 7, 2026
I was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Sam. I have many, many fond memories of Sam and of your family. Sam was a wonderful and kind soul. I will always cherish the book he signed for me and the time I spent at your home. You always made me feel so welcome.. My sincere condolences and may Sam’s memory be a blessing.

Amy Litwin
April 7, 2026
May your beautiful memories always be a blessing. Sam was an extraordinary person. He loved his family and friends. Rest in peace.

Pamela Litwin
April 8, 2026
Possibly the most fortunate event in my life is when my family moved next door to allow such closeness to such greatness.
We are so very grateful for Sam, and so sad for your loss.
His memories are and will always be with and inspire me.
Sending lots of love
Ken Hayes

Ken Hayes
April 8, 2026