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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOEL FARBER
WHEREAS, Joel (Joey) Farber, cherished son of the late Molly and Harry Farber, died on May 31, 2022. Joey was larger than life and lived his life to the maximum. He loved being the center of attention and telling jokes. He made friends everywhere. He was always smiling and greeting people, approaching complete strangers and with his largest voice and biggest smile, greeted them; and
WHEREAS, Joey loved Skokie where he lived in his home on Enfield for almost 50 years. But he also loved the commotion of Chicago. Whenever friends dropped him off at home after dark, he'd say, "it's too quiet." Then he'd yell at the top of his lungs, "SHOTS FIRED," and laugh; and
WHEREAS, in the early 70's his daughter Shari began having trouble moving. Joel and his wife, Harriett, took Shari to over 70 doctors trying to get a diagnosis. They finally met a doctor in the Bronx who diagnosed her condition: Dystonia. When the doctor indicated that there was no support group or foundation where they could learn more, he gave them notecards with the names of all the afflicted. Joel and Harriett created the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). Today this organization supports the afflicted worldwide and is working to find a cure. Joey's lifelong mission was to find a cure for his daughter and everyone else; and
WHEREAS, nicknamed Skomish, for Skokie Commissioner, Joel served as Commissioner on the Skokie Park District. He helped create the Skokie Festival of Cultures (FOC) to celebrate the many cultures of people who live in Skokie. It is held annually at Oakton Park the third week of every May. Joel proudly carried the Israeli flag at the FOC opening ceremonies. He loved meeting people at each of the booths and tried to learn something about each of them. If he saw someone that he thought he could greet in their language he'd yell, for example, MABUHAY! The FOC always had a band and he took particular pleasure in announcing them. But it wouldn't be a simple announcement. He'd go on for 10 minutes talking about the band, warming the audience up with jokes; and
WHEREAS, Joel used to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House to help feed dinner. He would arrive a couple hours ahead of time. While Joey loved to eat, he couldn't stand to look at raw food. He would pace back and forth, greeting families as they arrived, waiting for the time to announce dinner. When it was time he would take the mic and say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a wonderful dinner for you this evening. We are serving delectable fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, a wonderful salad…," on and on until someone turned off the mike; and
WHEREAS, Joel made Marco Island, Florida his second home for 40 years. He bought a timeshare at the Charter Club in 1982 and served as Board Member for many years. He loved the sandy beaches, warm gulf waters, inviting pool, and entertainment. Jeanie, the proprietor of Kay's on the Beach would put on a weekly fashion show and asked for volunteers. Joel would always put on a dress and strut his stuff. He loved the attention. He also liked getting the mic from Jeanie and taking over the announcing. On Tuesdays he was the announcer for the ice cream social by the pool. Joey was never short of words. If you were his friend, and everyone was, you'd get an extra scoop; and
WHEREAS, Joel remained his true self to the end. While in hospice the nurses would ask him if he was comfortable. He'd reply, "I make a living. Joel was predeceased by his wife Harriett; his daughter Shari Farber Tritt (late Ira); and his parents, Molly and Harry Farber. He is survived by his daughter Beth Farber (Steve Laser).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, honors the life and work of Joel Farber and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the family of Joel Farber.
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