Todd Emil Anthony Fandell

Todd Emil Anthony Fandell, husband, father, grandfather, and a friend, died at Evanston Hospital on Tuesday, December 15th. Todd fought a brave battle against Multiple Myeloma for over three years and taught us how to face adversity with strength and perseverance. He lived a long life and touched many through his professional career as a journalist, his hobbies as sailor, runner, gardener, soup chef, his dedication to Chicago sports and his life as a family member and friend. He was also an avid fan of news analysis and political debate.

Born April 26th, 1936 in Chicago, IL, Todd spent most his childhood in Berwyn and Oak Park. He graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School. He studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, served in the Army and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. He met his wife of 55 years, journalist Elaine Fandell, while they were both studying at Northwestern.

Todd’s career as a journalist and editor began with the Chicago Bureau of the Wall Street Journal and carried on with work at the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Advertising Age, Chicago Times Magazine, and other news sources. He was known as a meticulous writer and encouraging editor. He carried many of these qualities into other aspects of his life.

As important as his career were his pursuits outside of the workplace. As a sailor and a gardener he loved the outdoors that Chicago offered. Family and friends eagerly awaited his tomato soup every year. Todd had run track in high school and college and returned to running at age 75. A year later he won 2nd in his division in the competitive Chicago Area Runners Association circuit race series. And as a Chicago sports fan, Todd was more dedicated than anyone. He was a second generation Bears season ticket holder (the tickets were given to the family by George Halas himself). He attended every Bears home game, every Northwestern home and bowl game, kept a countdown of the Cubs magic number on the side of the house and his first date with Elaine was a Blackhawks game.

Todd is survived by his wife Elaine Fandell, children Sarah Fandell (Rogerio Studart), Ken Fandell (Christy Matson), brother Richard Fandell, sister Mary Ellen Mueller (Stephen), grandchildren Javier Noyola, Tiago Fandell Studart, Isabel Fandell Studart, Lake Emilie Fandell and nephews Matt, Mike and Mark Mueller.

A visitation will be held at Scott Funeral Home (1100 Greenleaf Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091) on Monday, Dec. 21st from 5-9pm. Please send donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

http://support.themmrf.org/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=41065&fr_id=1040&pg=fund

(via Todd Fandell's page)

Or

Multiple Myeloma

Research Foundation

(In honor of Todd Fandell)

383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor

Norwalk, CT 06851

Checks should be made out to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation