Funeral Details

We are so thankful for the good times we shared with Scott and Michelle over the last few years. He will be greatly missed and we pray for comfort and healing for all of his family.

Shannon Emerson

Sending love to Christine and Melissa and all family. Praying for you all.

Marilyn Einspanier

You were a true friend. I will miss our talks and visits to Arkansas with your beautiful family. Rest peacefully Scott. Sending our prayers for the family.
God Bless.
Dawna & Scott

Dawna Swanson

Words cannot describe how I feel, I lost a brother. May GOD bless your soul and guide you into the loving gates of heaven. Until we meet on the other side Rest in Peace brother

James Younan

Scott & I worked together for a summer , I was definitely a greenhorn , but Scott was always patient with me ( even though the jobs were paid in book time) He never lost his cool & would always make light of a difficult situation. We bought our first house from Scott & that alone is a wonderful forever memory .
Rest in Peace my friend, until our paths cross again & we will cross paths again , Godspeed

Robert Ambos

See you on the other side....

susan floss

It is with great sorrow, and with heavy hearts, that we the residents of Rogers Park and West Ridge, mourn the loss of of our native son.

Our hears go out to Scott’s loved ones in their time of grieving. May the Lord almighty bless them and console them daily.

Barb, Al Even and family.



Al Even

I have know Scott for over 30 years from doing auto service in the neighborhood. I have conferred and trusted his input and experience on many subjects over the years above and beyond mechanical expertise. As I am sure with others, I am deeply saddened and upset over this recent loss to me and my family of our friend Scott. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's extended family during this challenging time. He always was a great guy who stood by his word. A rare find in any decade and worth searching out for answers.

Stuart P

My condolences to Scott's wife and wonderful daughters. I have lost a loyal friend, and it hurts. Scott will never be forgotten. Requiescat in Pace.

Michael Fahy

My husband and I send our sincerest condolences on your loss. We knew Scott from fair auto and brought our car to him for 8 years. He was wonderful to work with and felt that he always had our best interests at heart. What a terrible loss for all of you. May his memory be a blessing. Our hearts are broken for you. Marsha and Matt Sullivan

Marsha Sullivan

For those of who don’t know, Bob and I were Scott’s business partners. I say partners because although Bob and I owned the business, Scott was as much a part of its success and longevity as Bob and I.

We were together over 35 years; we all had hair back then. He did leave for a year or two early on, but came back a better and more dedicated man. Bob and I always looked at our group as family; in fact, one of those faces in my wedding photo album is smiling Scott.

Scott had those rare qualities that you find in an individual that draws you into an instant connection. He was always willing to go the extra distance to help out everyone and to make them feel special. In fact, Bob and I were talking about this the other day, how everything we have, Scott touched it in some way. And I am sure that everyone who reads this has something that Scott is responsible for in some way as well.

Most of you know that, in his younger years, Scott had his prized possession, a yellow Corvette. I am going to share a funny story that I have always brought up to Scott for the past 20 years. We were on Devon Avenue. I pulled next to Scott in his hot rod and me in my old Caravan. I rolled down my window, and said, “Come on, let’s race.” That put a big grin on Scott’s face, and he said, “let’s go!” Just as the light changed, a car turned out in front of his lane, and I zoomed way ahead. For the next 20 years, I would remind Scott how my Caravan beat his Corvette in a race...always made him laugh!

In this circumstance, I can’t wrap my head around what happened. All I can do is, remember how positive and loyal Scott was around work. I choose to celebrate his life, and I hope you all do the same.

Thomas Unti

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Scott. He was the ultimate professional and will be sadly missed in Rogers Park. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

Rose and Muzi Ziyavo

Rosemary Ziyavo

My relationship with Scott is very recent. My son Billy married his daughter Ashley on 10/1/22. I was looking forward to many family gatherings since the wedding.. I was looking forward to getting to know him as Billy knew him. Billy really enjoyed the time he spent with Scott. To Michelle & the entire family, I send my heartfelt condolences. I dont always have the words to express how I feel. But I have unlimited hugs to offer. Whenever you need. God bless you all

Donna Murphy

My name is Hudi Safran, I am a jewish boy who lives in West Rodgers Park and goes to the Lubavitch Mesivta here. Every Friday our school goes on what we call “mivtzoyim” which is jewish outreach. We go around Illinois and meet jews, talk, and do mitzvahs/ good deeds with them. Two plus years ago my friend and I were on our way back to school and I asked if anyone in the auto shop was jewish… that’s when I met Scott. Ever since I came to the workshop almost every Friday, and talked with Scott about Torah or meaningful things. We would give him candles every week to give to his wife to light to bring in the sabbath. Eventually he told us that his wife bought a whole bag of candles to light every Friday which was great to hear! He told me that he put on the tefillin (flacteries) (a jewish commandment for every man to don every day) every Friday, eventually I asked him if he would start putting them on every day and he did gladly! Every morning (accept on Saturday) he put on tefillin for almost a full year! G-d is surely very happy with that. Scott was a very spiritual guy, in a good way. He always had good “inspiring” words to share to us when we’d pop by. He spoke to us a lot about his ancestry and about the Kaganoff family in Ezras Israel on Lunt and California which he grew up going to. Not to long ago when I came on Friday he told me he was going to be leaving that night and not coming back to the shop. We hugged and said farewell. I call a bunch of people every Friday and had in mind to call him the past few weeks but didn’t get around to it. This Friday I passed by the shop and Josh, Scott’s good friend there told me of his passing. I wish only the best to the whole family and you should know that every jew has a special soul which is inherently good because it is a piece of G-d himself that He places into every jewish body which comes into this world. The hard part is to see people that way, as inherently good. We like to look at the external things people do and no deeper. Scott looked deeper. As for his wife, keep lighting those candles on Fridays. That would be the greatest merit for his soul, to continue doing mitzvos which he woke up at 5am to do every morning.
with love, Hudi.

Hudi Safran

Scott and I were friends we went to school together at Eugene Field school we were in 3 grades together for 3 years we stuck together because kids were picking on him when he was little I kept them safe later on a life we ran into each other he worked at a muffler shop I worked at a mechanic shop we were trading parts helping customers and just being good friends sorry to have lost them he was a good man a good father good all the way around God's got another person to love your friend grumpy

Thomas Scott was a good friend of mine Nowotnik

May hope and peace be yours today, and always giving you strength, energy and comfort to help you cope with the passing of Scott a wonderful big of a real person always. He’s got the one with love, peace and free of emotional anguish, being forever held in the palm of gods hand, Scott is now walking in the Valley of our Lord and everlasting life and serenity one with God. Thank you God for answered prayers amen. You will be forever missed and remembered Scott! I’ve known you a very long time now. Thanks to my son Bobby I am truly blessed to have known you For all these years it’s all good because it’s all God. He called you home to do the rest of your spiritual, giving and loving of family and friends from heaven; in doing so he eliminated your mental anguish and torment. Rest in peace dear Scott. You will live in our hearts and Memories forever.

Liz Borbely

My family has known Scott for many years. He was oiur mechanic ,advice person and most of all our friend. He has taken care of my parents ,children's car and our car for many years. Always enjoyed chatting with him on many different subjects. He always has a kind word and willing to help. He was truly a trustworthy person. We will cherish our memories and talks with him. Rest in peace My friend.

Linda and Daniel Hernandez

May Scott's family find solace knowing how many lives he touched. I will miss his sage advice and our conversations while waiting for my car. God bless him and God bless his family.

Leta Dally

I was so sad to learn about Scott's passing. I only knew him as a long term customer at Fair... but he had a way of making everyone feel like a friend. I never ever worried about my car in his care. He recommended safe cars for my sons when they learned to drive and they brought their cars to him for the next 10 plus years. Even after I moved from West Roger's Park, I still came back to Fair because of Scott. He was so personable with everyone, whether they were on the phone or at his counter... you would always get an earful from Scott. It was so clear how proud he was of his daughters and wife. I am so sorry for your loss.

Stacy Jaffe

So very sorry for your loss. We spent many Sunday’s with Scott in our childhood. He was always so excited to see us (Adrienne, Debbie and Michael). I saw him again in recent years at Melissa’s wedding and again at a few Christmas celebrations. Really enjoyed talking with him. He seemed very happy and proud of his children. and his wife Always taking care of everyone else. We cannot really understand what he was going through, but take comfort knowing he loved you all and remembering the time you had together.
With deepest sympathy,
Debbie Merges

Debbie Merges (Bloom)

Condolences to Scott’s family on your loss. He was a man of kindness, great integrity, great humor, and courage.
He cared for his family and his customers deeply.
In the 20 years we had the joy of Scott’s service, we always knew we’d have great conversations, the best advice on
our car, and reliable excellent service. He was so much more than a mechanic. He was a truly good man.
Sending healing and strength to you all.

Maureen and Jerry Kaiser

My condolence to the family .

I met Scott at the Fair Auto he was my mechanic for about 7yrs into the first found out he use to service my son's car small world. I will truly miss our conversation about family i know he loved his family always there to help with anything and looking out for you as well. Scott you will be missed truly i have no words but i know you are in good hands. May he watch over his family for he is an angel of God. Much love Rest in peace my friend

Maria ( Evelyn ) Yanez

Maria Yanez

Love is eternal. The love Scott shared will live in and through the many many people he touched. Although I didn't know him well...his kindness was always apparent the many times he helped me with my car. I send my love to his family and all in his circle at this very difficult time. I am so sorry.





Jim KACZMAREK

I was so touched by all the love shown by your daughter's who all loved you very much. I lost my dad to cancer in his mid 50s.God bless you and comfort you in your time of grief Like you I have faith I will see my dad again one day. Peace to all who miss him he sounds like a wonderful person.

Kathleen Kennedy

My husband Kevin and I are so saddened to hear this news. We send our deepest condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing. 🙏🏾

Ysraelia (Izzy) Garbutt-Sullivan

What an amazing man- Along with many others I knew Scott from Fair Muffler where he always would solve my cars ills. We would have deep talks on many topics, including his daughters...

My prayers for strength to Michelle and the girls, Scott will continue to watch over us with the Angels.

Rest easy, my friend.

Doug Beardsley

We offer our condolences to the family. Diane met Scott over 30 years ago when she asked him to replace a hanger on her muffler and he replaced the entire exhaust system for free. Scott serviced various cars of ours over the years and, when he could no longer fix her Nissan Sentra ("EmIly"), he suggested that a Ford would look good on her. She found a Fiesta ('Fiona") and Scott agreed it was a good fit. Diane introduced her husband Al and his Ford vehicles to Scott 16 years ago, They shared a love of cars, music, and other "guy stuff". We trusted Scott's judegment about "needed" to be done and what "could wait for now". Scott always had a story, a memory, a joke. He wasn't afraid to share his opinion about cars, sports, the weather, politics, and life. No matter how bad the situation, Scott smiled and thanked us for coming in. The world has lost a kind, generous man, but Heaven has a new star. May his memory be enteral.

Alan Kawano Diane Lamyotte

Truly saddened by your loss and praying for your loved ones. Your smiles and stories will be missed. You made your love and pride of your family evident, when sharing stories and pictures of your get togethers.

I can't imagine not hearing your voice or catching up anymore. I pray you find peace and rest well. You've earned it.

Much love and prayers.
Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

I just learned this morning of Scott's passing and can't tell you how shocked and saddened I am by this news. For decades, literally, Scott took care of the many vehicles that my husband and I brought in to his shop and Scott quickly became a trusted resource and friend. More importantly, he "took care" of my husband, Ed, who was ill with cancer and Parkinson's Disease during the last few years of his life. If it had been awhile since Scott had seen us walking past the shop, he would call our home just to make sure Ed was okay and to see if we needed anything. Scott was, as so many others have said, an incredibly kind and generous soul and he will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing and may Scott's family and friends find comfort and strength from one another in the days ahead.

Marian Claffey

Scott guided me through very difficult car repairs as well as wonderful conversations about life in general. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was beyond wonderful to me and really will be missed

leah albritton

Marking the Last Visit

I'm still very angry
with those who stole
my catalytic converter
in late February.

But the money
has already changed hands
(probably on their end,
and certainly on mine)
and time eventually heals
this sort of thing.

After it happened
I took my car to Scott's shop,
as I had for everything else
over the past 15 years
because I knew
he would get it fixed fast.

When I learned of his passing
I wish I could have thanked him
for being such a great mechanic
and a great guy to talk to.

That would have been awkward
for both of us,
probably,
but this turn of events feels
so much worse than that.

So the catalytic converter thieves
may they rot forever,
at least gave me some way
of remembering the last time
that I spoke to Scott.

Sometimes we have to grab on
to anything that we can.





Rob Harris

I met Scott several decades ago, for the first time, when I was lucky enough to drive into the shop he was working at. Over the years, I came to know him and appreciate him as an amazing person rather than just as the guy who got my car fixed. We became friends, and he drove me through the world of automobiles. He also, by example, drove me through the meanings of these words: honesty, humor, sincerity, brilliance, generosity, consideration, action, perseverance, hard-worker, and (luckiest of all) friend. I will miss you, Scott. May God be with you and bless your family.I met Scott several decades ago, for the first time, when I was lucky enough to drive into the shop he was working at. Over the years, I came to know him and appreciate him as an amazing person rather than just as the guy who got my car fixed. We became friends, and he drove me through the world of automobiles. He also, by example, drove me through the meanings of these words: honesty, humor, sincerity, brilliance, generosity, consideration, action, perseverance, hard-worker, and (luckiest of all) friend. I will miss you, Scott. May God be with you and bless your family.

George McCorry

I met Scott several decades ago, for the first time, when I was lucky enough to drive into the shop he was working at. Over the years, I came to know him and appreciate him as an amazing person rather than just as the guy who got my car fixed. We became friends, and he drove me through the world of automobiles. He also, by example, drove me through the meanings of these words: honesty, humor, sincerity, brilliance, generosity, consideration, action, perseverance, hard-worker, and (luckiest of all) friend. I will miss you, Scott. May God be with you and bless your family.

George McCorry

I know I'm a bit late in posting this as I had no idea of Scott's passing. What a great loss for our world. Scott was such an amazing person and always treated me with a high level of respect. I am from the south and he always loved to talk about the south when I would see him. When I would go to the shop, I always felt like I was going home to what I imagine it would be like going home to dads shop. I never worried about whether my car was taken care of and he was always honest about everything. I am very grateful that I got to meet Scott and know that the world was a better place because he was a part of it. My condolences to Scott's family. #RIP Scott.

Jill Gable

Scott was not only my mechanic for decades, he was an honorable, honest man. A great conversationalist, (great debates on the best pizza in Rogers Park!) funny and will be sorely missed.

Rest well friend....



Fred Flores

I was Scott's customer at Fair Muffler for years and years, starting in 2004. It was readily apparent that he was a great guy who would always shoot straight with me--which I appreciated so much! This fact induced me to never take any of my cars to anyone else! I quit driving in the city around 2018 or so, therefore I lost touch with him at that point and am so saddened by the news of his passing. I sincerely wish the best to Michelle and his daughters and hope he is resting in peace. I will always think fondly of Scott, such a great person and excellent human being.

Jet Dee