Dr. Neil G. Aronson

Dr. Neil G. Aronson, 89, died peacefully on January 9, 2024, having visited with his family gathered to celebrate his upcoming 90th birthday. He was born on January 18, 1934, in Chicago, IL to the late David and the late Jewel (Feldman) Aronson. Neil was devoted husband of 61 years to Evelyn nee Epstein and loving father to Marilee and Rosy (Kim) Aronson. Neil delighted in his granddaughter Maya Jewel and shared a special relationship with his brother Leonard (the late Anne Keegan) Aronson, sister the late Sheila Selwyn, and sister-in-law Marlene (Ed) Jaffe. He adored his nieces and nephews and enjoyed loving, close relationships with many cousins and longtime friends.

Neil was a beloved pediatrician of 35 years. How many children look forward to going to the doctor? He was crazy about his patients – they brought out the playful child in him. They often referred to him as the “Refrigerator Artist” as his caricature drawings of his patients decorated refrigerators throughout the city. Countless patient families expressed their gratitude to him in random encounters until his last days.

Many have said that Neil was a Renaissance Man. This is no exaggeration. He was a wiz at science, math and languages, and he was a voracious reader. He loved being in his body and his athleticism expressed itself in boundless ways including football, gymnastics, ballet, skiing, marathoning, dancing, surfing, hiking, swimming and racquetball. His creativity sprung forth in song lyrics, children’s books, plays, poetry, short stories, paintings, woodcuts, caricatures, guitar playing, and his memoir about his time as a pediatrician. He was also a political activist. He approached everything he did with his wonderfully unique combination of drive, zest, curiosity and levity.

Neil had a heart of gold and a playful sense of humor that remained with him till the very end. His commitment to being a good provider and caring for those he loved never wavered. We will miss him terribly, and we celebrate how he touched and blessed our lives. Neil, may your spirit soar and may your brilliant light shine bright.

Service Friday 10AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Westlawn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Universal Love Alliance, P0 box 949, Espanola, NM 87532, www.universallovealliance.org

To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com