I am trying to think how would Chuck want me to do this. He wanted this site to share how he was and then he used it to share who he was. If you are reading this he touched you some way. I have only been able to call a few people to share the unwordable. I have had to speak the unspeakable. I wish I could use the nitty-gritty section but I can’t. My heart my reason my everything my Chuck passed away Sunday morning.
The following is the obit that will also be in the Chicago Tribune. The in-person funeral has to be limited because of Covid restrictions which Chuck would want me to take very seriously. But as you see below there are streaming instructions for the service at the funeral home. The funeral is scheduled for 2 pm Wednesday, January 27th. And though I want to hug every single person he would want me to do those virtually too. Know that I feel each and every one and that I feel all your thoughts and prayers.
I know the kids want to add their own posts and will do that in the next days. Please share howischuck.com and the following information to anyone.
Chuck ended all his posts with “stay safe, be kind”. The “stay safe” was a little bit covid and a little bit Chuck wanting to look out for everyone. The “be kind” was his life motivation. Everything he did was to share kindness. And he kind big.
Stay safe, be kind
-Ellen
Slattery
Charles Edward Slattery, 60
Beloved husband of Ellen nee Smith.
Loving father of Brian (Talya Modlin) Slattery and Adira (Fen) Slattery.
Cherished son of Margaret Joan and the late William Donald Slattery.
Dear brother of Michael (Lynn) Slattery, Susan (Gary Charles) Carlson, Patrick (Cherise) Slattery, Eileen (Michael) Berglund.
To keep everyone safe and healthy, the chapel service and interment are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dare2tri. Chuck was a dedicated volunteer and founding board member for Dare2tri since its inception in 2011. Address: Dare2tri, 516 N. Ogden Ave #172, Chicago, IL 60642. Dare2tri link: https://dare2tri.z2systems.com/np/clients/dare2tri/donation.jsp?campaign=147&&test=true
To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
The funeral is scheduled for 2 pm Wednesday, January 27th.
So very sorry for your loss. I was honored to know him and work with him. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do.
Dear Ellen – My heart is breaking for all of us. Chuck was an amazing role model, a pure joy!
Please let me know if I can do anything or if you need any support from the AbbVie family.
I am praying for Chuck’s amazing soul and for all of you.
Sending you a hug,
Tina Bova
Ellen and Family of Chuck,
I am heartbroken over your loss. Chuck was such an amazingly good-hearted, kind soul. I’m blessed to have known him. He will be dearly missed.
Best,
Kim T
Ellen:
I am not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. What the two of you shared was truly something special. Chuck was an amazing person and had a remarkable life! I was so lucky to call him my friend. I know that I cannot make your pain go away, but I want you to know that I am here with a shoulder or ear (even if it is virtual for now) or anything else you need. I will be praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear this news. I have worked with Chuck for my entire career at Abbott / Abbvie (15 years) and bonus is I had the privilege of being his administrative assistant for some of those years. My heart is truly broken to hear of his passing, I am going to miss our hallway conversations getting updates on how you and the the boys are doing and what they are up to in life. He was the most proud father of his children and they are lucky to have him as a dad. Chuck was one of a kind and one of the most caring people I have crossed paths with in my career.
Ellen,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Chuck was an inspiration for so many of us. No matter what challenges he faced in life, he found time and energy to help others. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever known. I’m so thankful for the words of wisdom and time he shared with me as a colleague and friend. I can’t tell you how many times I went home laughing about something he said that put life in perspective. His passing doesn’t make sense to me… He is greatly missed.
Dear Ellen & family,
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I am so glad that I was able to connect with him just recently – still calling me kiddo, and talking about biking, swimming and most importantly you and the kids. He was a wonderful boss & friend and he will be so missed by his Abbvie family.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura
I know there are no words to describe the loss that we all feel now. This is so unexpected for me, I just cant seem to process the news. Chuck was my partner in crime at work for many years. My thoughts and prayers to everyone. We know he was a one of a kind and so special. Ellen, Hugs to you and all of the family.
Brenda
Ellen and Family: I had the pleasure of working with Chuck for many many years! He was always patient and kind and would not just explain how to do something but the “why” we do it that way. This is a gift not everyone has, it takes a nuturing personality which he had! I hope many happy memories will help to carry you through this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers, Tanya Moore
I am heartbroken for your family’s loss. Chuck was a great guy and was always a happy face to see. Super smart. Super kind. Just an overall great guy. He will surely be missed. My deepest sympathies for your family.
Ellen,
I just heard the news this evening and am in total shock. Chuck was my first boss out of college and I never realized how lucky I was to have him as a mentor and a friend. He genuinely cared about my development and always guided me when I was in need. His laugh was infectious and his conversations always left an impression. I’ll remember the group outings with him and catching up with him at the Hustle up the Hancock events after I had moved onto to a new role. I am so sorry for your loss and pray you are given the strength to endure this moment. He will be missed.
Martha and I are so sorry on the lost of Chuck. I was just going to call him to invite him to the Hustle. He was a great man, and a friend, and I am dearly going to miss him. Many thoughts and prayers from the Saad family… Please take care!
Ellen and family –
There are simply no words to express how sorry I am for your tremendous loss. Chuck always made a point to stop and acknowledge others – the halls at ABV1 will never be the same. May the wonderful memories shared bring a sense of peace & comfort.
Chuck was my first boss when I started working at CM&H in the 1990s. He was also the first person I knew in prepress with whom I could talk about art. Brian was just a little boy back then and Chuck was so proud of his imaginative drawings, and he nurtured his son’s interest at every turn. He would bring in samples to show me, I guess because I was making art at the time, too. I valued Chuck’s kind and patient support as my supervisor as well as his sense of humor, and in later years it was a real treat to run into him and Ellen at the annual Michael’s Pub Crawl. I just can’t believe that he’s gone. I hadn’t known of his illness, and was shocked when I heard. He was legendary in prepress circles for riding his bike all the way from Highland Park down to River North … EVERY DAY! Ellen, I can’t possibly imagine what you’re feeling right now. I know you’re strong and that you’ll get through this. A point will come when each day will feel a little less awful. It will happen. Much love to you and your family.
Ellen and Family – I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Chuck was so kind and considerate and always had a few minutes for me. I loved talking to him. He will be terribly missed. I am so honored to have known him, and blessed to have known such an amazing and kind heart. He loved you all so much and loved talking about you all. Prayers during this very difficult time.
Ellen and Family,
I don’t know anyone who could even come close to replacing Chuck. He was surely one-of-a-kind and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Chuck was my first manager when I joined the Purchasing family and he welcomed me as only Chuck could. He was kind and passionate about what he did. Before that I knew Chuck through supporting him as an admin while he was earning his black belt in Lean Six Sigma. Through all of this time, he warmly talked about his wonderful family and his life’s passions. We talked about the Bears and his volunteer work with Tri. I will miss Chuck and his laugh, his personality, his knowledge and his courage. I am so honored to have known Chuck. Peace be with you all at this time. Hugs to you all.
I’m very sorry to hear about Chuck. I didn’t have a chance to work with Chuck very long but in the time that I did, I learned that he was a very nice, funny & knowledgeable person. He interviewed me last year and made me feel at ease and laugh. He was always kind to me and His presence will be missed. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked for many many years with Chuck. He was most definitely one of the very good ones at Abbott! I would find myself spotting Chuck in the hall way at AP30 and go out of my way to stop Chuck to say hi and chat a bit with him. He always had a calm, soothing disposition and after my short chats with him, I always walks away with better spirits and a calmness in my soul that he definitely put there. God speed Chuck! Rest in Peace my friend.
Chuck was a joy and a light. My deepest sympathies.
I will deeply miss Chuck. Regardless of the question I brought him over the years, his response was always kind and patient. Even if it wasn’t his area, he knew something or someone that could help, and he generously offered to assist with a ready smile (and often a story). Sometimes it’s the simple, underlying traits (character) that we miss most – beyond any expertise or accomplishments – just how that person made you feel.
Dear Ellen and the family,
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I worked with Chuck at AbbVie, not long, and I vividly remember he was a very passionate person. He will be dearly missed. Stay safe.
Dear Chuck’s family,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news and for your loss. I worked with Chuck at AbbVie, not very long, and I vividly remember he was a very passionate and engaged colleague. He will be dearly remembered. Stay safe.
Chuck really knew how to tell a story and make you laugh. He was a kind, gentle guy. Jeff and I are so sorry for you and your family on the loss of this great guy.
Sue & Jeff
Words are just not adequate to express the deep sense of loss we are all feeling. Chuck was truly a kind man and a wealth of knowledge; he always had the best stories to share, so many of which involved his beloved family. I will always be grateful for his guidance and ability to see the humor in times of great challenge. My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Ellen. May the peace and grace of God comfort and sustain you as you grieve this tremendous loss.
Ellen and Family –
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Chuck. I was fortunate to have worked with him for the last 20+ years and get to know Chuck. He was a special man who took pride in his job and more importantly his family. Over the years I would hear stories about the kids in college and their jobs which he was always so proud and humble to talk about.
My families thoughts and prayers are with yours at this difficult time.
Ellen, Brian & Adira-
Bill called me last night from Washington St. to tell me the sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working with Chuck in the Boy Scout troop. He set a high bar for all who followed him. I benefited enormously from his experience and camaraderie. One of my favorite memories from those days is from one of our winter campouts at White Pines SP. It was late at night, snow on the ground, a cold, clear starlit sky, and all the boys had retired to their tents for the night. Chuck and I sat up around the campfire and talked for awhile about work, our sons, and eventually about nothing, as we silently watched the fire burn down to red embers. It doesn’t get any better than that, and Chuck, as usual, was the perfect companion to share it. He is missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a mentor, a friend, an educator and a co-worker. I’ll truly miss Chuck and his smile. May his memory be for a blessing.
Ellen,
I am so sorry, shocked, and truly at a loss for words, as most of us are. I worked with Chuck on various teams off and on for 17 years. He was such an inspiration, and so intelligent. I would seek guidance from him every so often and he always welcomed conversation. I looked up to him and had great respect. Definitely a unique and one of a kind person. He will be greatly missed. I’m sending you prayers and strength to help you through this unimaginable and most difficult time.
My sincere condolences.
Patty
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Chuck was always my ace in the hole for our work with the troop and the pack. One of my greatest regrets was that he wasn’t able to join us on the canoe trip in 2001. His dedication to our Scouts was truly admirable. He’ll be missed by all of us.
Chuck’s intelligence was only matched by his kindness. I was fortunate to know Chuck for the past 18 years. When we crossed paths in the hallways at Abbott Park or ABV1, we often talked about Chicago Bears football, triathlons, and family. As I reflect back on my conversations with Chuck, I am struck by how often he talked about family. He was certainly a proud husband and Dad. We rarely talked about work unless it was an audit or QBR. He was a man that made a lasting impression on those of us who were lucky enough to know him. Chuck will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to everyone in Chuck’s family.
Ellen & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Chuck many times throughout my years in Abbott/AbbVie. He has been so helpful and kind to me over the years. He was always happy to provide guidance and support for any questions. He also shared his knowlege, was happy to teach but never stopped looking for a better way. He always stopped in the hall to chat and never just walked by. He was truly a kind soul and will be missed!
Ellen,
I just received word via John R. on the truly sad news of Chuck’s passing. It was indeed a pleasure working with Chuck as part of Troop 324’s adult leadership. Leaving for Iceland in 2000, I knew with Kerry and Chuck there with John that the troop was in good hands. I’m sure Harry Skidmore was waiting to greet Chuck on his new journey. As John said, Chuck will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you for all the two of you did for our Scouts. Prayers from Michigan for you and all of the family. As Chuck would say: “Be safe, Be kind.”
Ellen & Family,
I’m deeply honored to have known Chuck. He brightened the lives of everyone he met. He was one of a kind and loved his family very much. I am heartbroken. I don’t know what I’ll do without my personal Google. Please take good care.
Ellen, I learned of Chuck’s passing today from our Dare2tri family. I am in shock and very sad to here that his wonderful kind spirit is gone. However, his spirit will always remain inside. Side by side, or guide to guide, I have fond memories volunteering with your husband. He was truly a gentleman and a passionate minded individual. Hugs to you from Michigan.
Oh Ellen, I am so sorry this happened. May his memory be for a blessing and may his soul shine brightly to light the way to heaven.
It is with great sadness that I say goodby to my dear friend Chuck. To my dear friend Ellen and her wonderful children Brian and Adira, and the whole Slattery family I wrap my loving arms around you in hopes of a small amount of comfort. To my long time friend Chuck, I will miss you always but you live on in my heart. You have always been a caring soul who has been with me and my family though these many years. You always knew just what to do when trouble would arise. I’ll always cherish our family camping trips…good times! It’s with great fondness that I recall your logistical skills and how often when I was clumsily building a camp fire or setting up a camp site, you would gently say “Pete, that’s great idea but you might want to try that just a bit differently, here’s an idea”. I loved this about you and the lessons he taught me will NEVER be forgotten. You live on in my heart, and in my mind, and today I lift a glass of tequila (because you taught me the proper way to do this) to you, to your family, and to all the wonderful memories of my dear friend.
My condolences to your family, as I am saddened to hear of his passing. I was introduced to Chuck in 2005 and had the pleasure of continuing to work with him on different occassions over these past years. Chuck was a genuine and kind person who was always willing and able to lend a hand or offer guidance. He was never short on time for anyone who reached out to him. I appreciated his friendhip and he will be missed. May he rest in peace as he makes his journey home.
Ellen and Family,
I am incredibly saddened by your tremendous loss. I was honored to work with Chuck for the past 20 years. His patience, integrity, work ethic and kindness were unsurpassed. I could always rely on Chuck when it came to problem solving and collaboration on shared projects. He will be truly missed.
I’m thinking of you and your family wishing you comfort during this sorrowful time.
David and I are so sad to hear of your loss. He was so friendly and outgoing – the room brightened up when Chuck walked in. We’ve known you both for such a long time and watched our kids grow up, we will miss him.
My deepest condolences to your family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Chuck. I worked with him for many many years at Abbott/AbbVie and I can honestly say he was one of my favorite people. I am so lucky to have known and work with such a smart, kind, caring human who went out of his way to help everyone and anyone. I am heartbroken – the world was a better place with him in it. You’re in my prayers
Dear Slattery Family,
I am devastated to hear the sad news. Chuck was truly a larger than life person, full of boundless energy and love. Whenever I saw him, I smiled and waited for the stories to begin, told with gusto and humor. He will be missed always.
God bless all of you
Chuck was a special man and I’m blessed that our paths crossed. He was a tremendous coworker – internal and external partners spoke highly of him because he encouraged them to be better – but was always fair and wasn’t afraid of the hard work. I certainly respected him professionally, but I admired him even more personally. His love of his family, natural curiosity, comfort in his own skin, zest for life, and willingness to help others are several characteristics that stand out. There was rarely a short conversations with Chuck, but no one complained because you typically left encouraged (unless it was about his Bears) and more knowledgeable.
He was inclusive and kind – inviting me to his house for a Cinco de Mayo party when I had just started in a new role and didn’t know many people. He made us feel welcome at his condo and generously walked us through a tequila tasting – always a teacher at heart…
Thanks to his family for sharing his bright light with us. He truly was a special person.
Dear Ellen-
I hope that the love of friends and family will sustain you, Brian, and Adira in bearing this unbearable loss. His deep love for you and the kids is what I think about- all the way back to the days of Lincoln School—your closeness as a couple—his warmth and kindness- sparkling smile, his authenticity and true interest in others. I know he was brilliant, but he was so low-key. The world is a better place because of Chuck. May his memory be a blessing.
Love,
Amy and John
Dear Slattery Family,
I am sorry for your loss and deeply saddened by the news. I had the pleasure of first meeting Chuck 14 years ago while taking a LSS Black Belt class at Abbott and we stayed in touch the years since. I will fondly remember his Try Tri license plate and the stories we shared about work, sports and his support for all of you and your community. I consider myself lucky for having been graced by Chuck’s presence in my life.
Bruce
Ellen,
Martin and I are so sorry for your loss. We were blessed to catch up with you snd Chuch one or twice a year over thirty years at Michael’s Pub Crawls as our lives ran parallel paths with kids growing up and running races snd the lives we lived. You two were clearly a partnership full of love snd I can’t image the hole you now feel. I hope you find peace in moments with the family and friends you have around you. Sending you love and blessings and raising a glass to Chuck.