Saul Davis

Saul Davis, 90, of Hanover Park, died Tuesday, October 12, 2021 after a hip fracture and complications in recovery. Born October 26, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA he was the beloved husband (for 65 years) of the late Elaine; loving father of twins, Randi (John Vivacqua) and Russ (Laura); Laurie (Rob) Johnson and Gary (Luzanne); cherished grandfather of Kimberly (Chris) Tunzi, Mark Rosenbaum, Jacob Johnson, Sarah Davis, and Angela Vivacqua; caring great-grandfather of Kendall and Elena (Tunzi); son of the late Harry and Pauline Davis; and baby brother to Ruth (Leff) and the late Henry and Ben.

Saul, affectionately teased by his siblings as his mother’s little “tatala," was an energetic and popular youth with an aptitude for drawing. He was known for having a great sense of humor, could really tell a joke, and got along with everybody. He met Elaine, the love of his life, on a Pittsburgh streetcar and when drafted into the Korean war, elected to get married before deploying. He rose to artillery tank lead and when honorably discharged, used the GI bill to put himself through the Pittsburgh Institute of Aviation where he received his Airframe and Powerplant license. Saul’s love of airplanes started as a child when he was given his first model airplane by his brother and his enthusiasm and creativity made him a standout in his 38-year career as an airline mechanic. He started his career with Capital Airlines in Washington DC where he and Elaine started their family, and a merger with United in the 60s took him to Chicago where he and Elaine settled for the remainder of their lives. Although his kids grew up as Midwesterners, Saul loved to remind them of their origins as “southern belles” and “southern gentlemen.”

Saul could build or fix anything and was often seen at his tool bench, meticulously repairing something or making a tool to repair something (and with 4 children, business was good). He was an emblematic “greatest generation” family man who encouraged academic excellence and financial independence in his children. Saul had a calmness and patience throughout his life—whether it was fixing something, helping a child with homework, or facing an illness. He rarely raised his voice or complained, even in bad times. He was a constant presence cheering on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting and academic activities. He will be remembered as a fighter when illness touched himself or his loved ones. Saul was a model of what a father, and a man, can and should be. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 1640 S Green Meadows Blvd (at Barrington Rd), Streamwood/Schaumburg from 1 pm through 4 pm CST, with a Celebration of Life service at 4 pm CST. Flowers may be sent to Countryside Funeral Home. (630)289-8054.