Alan Richard Fonorow

Alan Richard Fonorow, 79, of Aurora, IL; formerly Chicago and Glenview, IL; passed away peacefully at home with family on March 19, 2026, after a long battle with Leukemia. 

Alan was born on March 12, 1947, in Chicago, IL, to the late Lewis and Gwen Fonorow. He attended Mather High School and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Alan started his career at World Book Encyclopedia, where he met his wife of 53 years, Jacqueline (nee Javors). Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Chaplain’s Assistant at Fort Ord in California. Upon returning home, Alan continued to pursue his career in advertising, holding Creative Director roles at Cramer Krasselt, Kobs Gregory Passavant and Kobs and Draft, before starting his own business, Alan Fonorow Creative Services, which he operated for over 20 years. Alan enjoyed his work and never stopped, spending the last 19 years with the wonderful people at Zacks Investment Research.

Alan is survived by his daughter Valerie Lowe (Kevin), son Brian (Jackie) and cherished grandchildren Brendan, Fiona, and Isla Lowe, and Arthur Fonorow, as well as many sisters in-law, brothers in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved very much. He also had many dedicated, long-time friends who provided him with many laughs and good times throughout the years. Alan led an active life well into his final years. A passionate athlete and sports fan, he loved playing golf and basketball, and cheering on his beloved Bears, Cubs, and Bulls. While he had a deep appreciation for classical music and history, his greatest joy came from being a grandfather. He valued every moment spent with his grandchildren—whether he was playing and reading with them, attending their events, or sharing stories of his life and family history. Alan’s unpretentious wisdom, humorous musings and unwavering acceptance will forever be missed and remembered by his family and friends. His legacy lives on in all who’s lives he touched.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, March 26th at 2:00 PM at Acacia Park Cemetery, 7800 Irving Park Rd., Norridge, IL, 60706 in the Columbarium Chapel. Family and friends are welcome to attend to honor and celebrate Alan’s life. Following the service the family will sit Shiva at 1395 Colchester Lane, Aurora, 60505 onThursday until 9:00 PM and Friday from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Alan Fonorow to support the Hematologic Malignancies Initiative, c/o Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 420 E Superior Street, Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611. To make an online donation Click here. Or to The Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society 157 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654, with whom Alan proudly worked for many years and adopted dogs from by clicking the link below.