Longtime Wilmette Theatre Owner Dies in Niles Accident

The elderly Niles man who was struck by an SUV and killed Friday morning in Niles was Richard Stern, who owned the Wilmette Theatre for more than 40 years.

Earlier reports indicated Stern was walking in a crosswalk in the 8900 block of Golf Road when he was hit by a westbound Dodge Durango in the center lane. The driver, a 56-year-old Evanston man, was said to have been cooperating with police. Charges have not been filed.

According to the history section of the Wilmette Theatre’s website, Stern’s family is credited with bringing “art films” to the Chicago area at the Cinema Movie Theatre on Michigan Avenue. Sten then continued that tradition in Wilmette for four decades. He owned the theatre from 1966 to 2006.

Read Mr. Stern’s obituary