A racer, an avid outdoorsman, a sharp-minded (and sharp-tongued) businessman, and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Gary Wayne Roubinek ’63, age 82, of Delaware, Ohio and Naples, Florida, passed peacefully in the company of his family on March 21, 2024.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 3, 1941 to parents Eugene and Dorothy
(affectionately known as Doll), Gary played baseball and football at Niles Township High
School in Skokie, Illinois before studying accounting at Illinois Wesleyan University where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He later earned his MBA at
Northwestern University.

Just before college, Gary began dating the love of his life, Shirley Ferguson. They married in June 1963 and welcomed three children – Brett, Stacy, and Craig. Together, they embarked on Gary’s career journey in public accounting at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co (later KPMG) where he soon made partner and forged lifelong friendships. His career moved their family to Omaha, Chicago, New York City, and Columbus and took Gary and Shirley around the world on business trips.

After settling in Columbus, Gary became part of the fabric of the business community
having at times served on the Board of Directors of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the
Executive Search Committee of the State Treasurer’s Office, and the Mayor’s Task Force to create and run the Columbus 500 – an IMSA race through the streets of downtown.

A renaissance man, Gary enjoyed working with his hands as much as he enjoyed the
intellectual challenges of accounting. A gentleman racer, Gary’s family – including his
father Gene – made memories at circuits across the country as Gary raced karts, moved into open wheel racing, and eventually owned Roubinek Motorsports operating NASCAR series entries in the northeast. He enjoyed hunting and competitive sport shooting, forging many lasting friendships through those endeavors. Most of all, Gary cherished his role as “Papa”/“Grandpa” sharing unique interests, thoughtful guidance, and often some pocket cash with each of his eight grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, Brian M. Roubinek. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Roubinek; their three children, Brett Roubinek (Kt) of Galena, Stacy Berglund (John) of Redding, CA, and Craig Roubinek (Linda) of Powell; and their adored and adoring grandchildren, Erin, Hannah, Abby, Justin, Megan, Hopa, River, and Fiadh.

George Bull ’63, 88 of Rockford, IL, passed away on July 3, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1935 to Della (Bogdonas) and Burton Bull. He married Darlene (Freese) on March 28, 1959, they shared two children and 63 years of marriage. George was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a faithful service member of the United States Army.

George graduated from West High School in Rockford. He made many lifelong friends there. He played football in high school and then again in college at Illinois Wesleyan. George had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying out of Cottonwood Airport. He and Darlene loved to travel. George ultimately received his masters degree in education and taught for many years at East High School in Rockford.

He was a long time member at Second Congregational UCC/First Presbyterian Church. George was also a past member of the University Club, and enjoyed boating, skiing, biking, playing golf and bridge club. His kind heart and friendly attitude will be deeply missed. You can read George’s full obituary here.

Richard Berman ’66 recently passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024, with his family by his side. Born in Chicago on May 14, 1944, he is the son of David and Josephine (DiGiacomo) Berman. He married Alice Sherfy in 1969. He graduated from Illinois  Wesleyan University in 1966. A 1974 graduate of Valparaiso University with a JD, he practiced workers’ compensation law at Williams McCarthy for 40 years. He was a past member of the Winnebago County, the Illinois, and the American Bar Associations. He lectured as a guest speaker and as a faculty member of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, The Illinois State Bar Association Law Ed series, and the National Business Institute. He was a past president of Janet Wattles Mental Health Center and served on their Foundation Board, was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and was proud to be a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery. Read Richard’s full obituary here.

Dennis “Denny” Steele ’67 passed away in Bloomington, IL on October 18, 2023 at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, sister, two children, and two grandchildren.

Read the full obituary here.