Howard O. Chinn

Howard O. Chinn, age 99, of Morton Grove, passed away peacefully on December 4 in the comfort of his home of more than 50 years.

Born on August 12, 1926, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Wai and Yung Shee Ong Chinn, Howard was raised in Chicago, where he attended local schools and joined the ROTC in high school. He proudly served several years in the Army Air Force and later worked 39 years as Chief Engineer in the Environmental Law Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Phylliss and was the beloved father of Carol, James, and Stanley; cherished grandfather of Tina, Denise, Tami, Noelle, Ashley, Tyler, and Travis; and treasured great-grandfather of Nathan, Chesney, Rachel, Haley, Ryan, Arianna, Angelina, Jonathan, Alyssa, Pasquale, Sebastian, Dylan, Anthony, Jackson, and Sydney.

As the respected patriarch of his family, Howard carried the role with deep pride and devotion. A lifelong learner known for his intelligence, generosity, and quiet strength, he approached every chapter of life with purpose and humility. Though he made meaningful contributions to his country and environmental protection throughout his life, he often said that his greatest legacy was his family—whom he loved fiercely and supported unconditionally.

Howard will be forever remembered for his dedication, wisdom, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home, 950 S. Bartlett, Rd. Bartlett, IL 60103. Funeral Service and Military Honors will follow the next morning at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Stickney, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard's name to the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research Institute

29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10006-3111 or https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/campaign/748882/donate or to a charity of your choice. For information, please contact Countryside Funeral Home, 630-289-7575.