Funeral Details

On behalf of the SCORE Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Joel Shabsin. Joel served as a SCORE volunteer from August, 2014 until his death. He began his service with the Chicago Chapter, sharing his knowledge and expertise in accounting and tax procedures with small business owners and entrepreneurs across the greater Chicago area. He mentored individuals and taught workshops. In 2018, SCORE formed an additional Chicago area Chapter, the North Cook and Lake Counties Chapter, which covered the locations in which Joel most often mentored SCORE clients. He continued his service with that Chapter, as well as lending his support to Chicago Chapter activities and SCORE clients with whom he'd formed lasting mentoring relationships. Most recently Joel served as a Chapter and SCORE-wide resource expert on CARES Act and other pandemic-related finance topics, advising innumerable SCORE clients and SCORE mentors alike as the organization worked to meet the exceptional volume of requests for mentoring guidance related to those topics.
Joel was known across the organization for his generosity of sharing time, knowledge, expertise and always doing so in a truly caring manner. His loss will be felt widely, and his impact, as a model for those who follow him, will be a lasting tribute.


SCORE Association Chicago and North Cook and Lake Counties Chapters

I knew Joel through SCORE for the last few years and had the pleasure of working with him numerous times. He was a wonderful person and I am glad I had known him. My deepest condolences to the family.
My wife also passes her condolences to Rick (Randye Pines Martin). Our thoughts are with you.
Steve

Steve Martin

My thoughts and prayers are with the Shabsin family. Joel was an amazing SCORE volunteer and will be missed.

Norm Letofsky

I don't know how many years Joel and I mentored together. It was a long time. I always learned from him. Often, I'd know nothing about a topic, and I"d just listen to Joel.Occasionally, he turn the tables and just listen to me. I always felt good when that happened. Sadly, I had to tell several of the clients Joel and I shared that he had died. They would stop for a while, sigh a bit, and all sadly say in their own way, "I'm sorry to hear that. He was such a good guy." I agree. He was.
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Mark Lieberman

My deepest sympathy on Joel's passing. He was a true mensch and a very important member of the SCORE chapter. We all will miss Joel's intelligence and participation.

dan pollack

I met Joel through IAAI. He made a big difference in helping me get my Enrolled Agent status. I attended classes he taught, and he was so very knowledgeable. He explained the materials clearly. He was also supportive of my efforts and cared about my life. I will miss Joel. He did a lot and was humble and ethical. My deepest sympathy for the Shabsin family.

Donna Zimmerman

Our sympathies to Joel's family and friends. Joel was an important contributor to our professional society with his willingness to mentor younger members. We will miss his good humor and common sense additions to our organization. He died working on an article for our newsletter. . .what more can be said. Rest in peace, sweet man.

CHARLOTTE OGOREK

Joel will be undoubtedly missed. He was such a wonderful SCORE mentor, presenter, and friend whom I truly respect for his deep and enduring commitment to support and serve our clients and community. Just a few days ago, I fondly and vividly remember how excited Joel was when I asked him to conduct the Bookkeeping and QuickBooks webinar for our chapter and the SBA. There was no hesitation-- His last words to me were: "Thanks for thinking of me. I'd love to do a webinar on either topic with you," That's who Joel was--- an incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and giving mentor who was unsparing in the amount of time, advice, and service he was prepared to give to our organization and business community. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and those of you who knew him. Wishing you all peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.


Hannah Fernandez

I met Mr Shabsin through Score, He was the most helpful mentor l ve ever met, he was very kind , very knowledgable and he made me feel like l have a family member ready to help when l need. He was giving you that kind of energy. I am so sorry to hear his passing. Rest in peace in heaven Mr Shabsin. Alav ha-shalom

Ciler seda KOSE

This is such shocking and sad news. It was a pleasure to meet and work with Joel. He guided me through my first days as a business owner. He helped me write my first ever SOW and invoice. I had no idea how to describe the payment terms in the SOW or to write the invoice to reflect that the balance was being paid in installments. I think he even helped me figure out how to set up my LLC and get an EIN. I literally would not be where I am - five years in - without his guidance. He was patient, kind, and helpful. I am grateful for his mentorship and deeply saddened by his passing. Sending my sympathy and wishes for peace and comfort to the Shabsin family.

Marina Damiano

I enjoyed attending Joel's QuickBooks session he presented at our local library for SCORE. It was very information each time, and he brought some great life experiences to the presentation. He was truly a person who cared about helping others and his societal contribution will be missed. I hope his family realizes his impact on the rest of our world, and these types of memories help ease a difficult time.

Rich Kraybill

It was an honor to have worked with and gotten to know Joel over the past 20+ years in the Independent Accountants Association of Illinois, IAAI. His contributions to IAAI have been extensive and his interest in enabling all accounting and tax professionals to be better goes without measure. Joel was a true professional and we benefited from his contributions. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and worked with him over the years. May the Peace that Passes all Understanding be with his family at this time of great loss.

Dan Setters

My condolences to the family. Joel was one of the first mentors I met after joining SCORE. He always had great ideas for clients who were starting a business and didn't know a lot about accounting. He was able to explain things so people understood and could use what he told them to make their business better. He was a great mentor and will definitely be missed not only by the other SCORE mentors but also by his clients.

John Fisher

Words cannot express how painful it was when I heard the news of a death of a mentor and friend. Joel's death effects me on such a personal and profound level and while trying to write these words, my heart hurts too much to write. I have lost a mentor, friend, and the kindest person I know and the loss leaves an profound absence in the world.
It has been nearly three decades since we met, and my progress under your guidance is palpable to everyone who knows me. You have been an inspiration to me, and the person that I always look up to. My grief at your loss is thick and confounding.
We are told when we meet certain people, to hold onto them for dear life. Yet what do we do when they are taken from us? We go on without them, our worlds a little darker, but our lives enriched.
Thank you for your grace, your patience, and the kindness. The ripples you cast into the universe will never cease, and your kindness lives on in us who you left behind.
My thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis, Pam and the whole family and hope God gives them strength. Phyllis, I am always here if I can do anything for you.
Goodbye my mentor!
 

Alka G Oberoi

Joel was one of the kindest, most compassionate and generous individuals I've had the privilege to meet and consider a colleague. I learned more from him in an hour of helping a SCORE client than I would have studying on my own for months. He always made himself available, offered information in a friendly and approachable manner, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. We will miss him sorely as a colleague, but we will miss him more as a friend. My most sincere condolences to his family for his loss, but please know his legacy will live on with so many.

Jennifer Lang

I was fortunate to serve on the IAAI Executive Board with Joel. I truly enjoyed working with him over the years on the board and the education committee. He gave so much to IAAI and we will be eternally grateful. I will miss his wisdom, positive attitude and that infectious smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

HEATHER JOHNSON

I am a childhood friend of Mike and I've know Joel for many years. He always treated me with respect even as a teenager. He was kind and soft spoken. Joel was the definition of "a good man". I am a better person for knowing him. My condolences to the entire Shabsin family.
Love, The Kanters

Howard Kanter

Dear Pam and family,
I was very sorry to hear of Joel's passing. I only met him on a few occasions, but he was always kind and interesting to talk to. I know he was a wonderful father and grandfather. My thoughts are with you all.

Lisa Panka

We were clients of Joel for a few years through SCORE. Joel was a very compassionate person about what he did and I am sure that carried into his family life as well. His knowledge of business and accounting helped us greatly. We will always be indebted for what he brought and did for us. I saw Joel as a very kind and loving person. I feel very honored to have met and worked with him. My condolences go to the entire Shabsin family.

Marla Cohen

Phyllis, Joel, the family and I have been friends for close to 30 years and we've enjoyed many fine times together. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Shalom, dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

Diane Kinn