WhirlyBall Chicago Founder Dies At His Northbrook Home

NORTHBROOK, IL — A surprise birthday party thrown by his wife, Robyn, at a WhirlyBall location in Miami nearly 30 years ago changed the life of Samuel Joseph Elias forever. Two years later, in 1993, Elias was building the first WhirlyBall location in Chicagoland. The endeavor would prove quite lucrative as it turned into a multi-million dollar operation and a Chicago institution.

Elias, 59, passed away peacefully in his Northbrook home on Sept. 4 surrounded by love from his family, with his beloved Grateful Dead playing in the background, according to an obituary from Goldman Funeral Group.

Elias was born Aug. 18, 1961 and grew up in North Miami Beach, Florida. It was there he met the love of his life, Robyn (Steinfeld) at the age of 15. Their love transcended four decades, sharing 35 years of cherished marriage.

Sam was an entrepreneur at heart, starting his first business, Computer Classified Incorporated, in his early 20s. Although enjoying great success in the IT world, Sam was ready for an exciting new venture.

Following the surprise party that Robyn threw Sam for his 30th birthday party in August of 1991, at the WhirlyBall location in Miami, Sam was immediately inspired and energized by the concept. He quickly began researching, strategizing and building WhirlyBall Chicago. Jan. 15, 1993, marked the opening of the very first WhirlyBall location in the Chicagoland area and that was only the beginning. Nearly three decades later, WhirlyBall is a consumer focused multi-million-dollar institution in Chicago built brick-by-brick by Sam.

His legacy is survived by his three sons; Adam Elias, Ryan Elias, and Jacob Elias of whom he was extremely proud. He was their biggest fan, mentor and supporter. He was relentless in cheering them on each day in their studies, on the slopes, and in everything they ventured out to do.

At his core, Sam was an explorer with a great sense of adventure and curiosity, and always encouraged his boys to be fearless in order to reach their full potential. His sons adored him and cherish having the opportunity to travel the world together, especially the annual Elias ski and snowboarding trip in the mountains of Colorado.

Sam’s love for music was celebrated with everyone who knew him and was a sacred bond he shared with his boys.

Sam is predeceased by his father, Alvin Elias, and is survived by is his beloved wife, Robyn, his three sons, his mother, Lenore Elias, three big sisters, Beth Roscoe, Robyn Mizrachi, Ellen Elias and his nieces, Raya and Alexis. He was loved, admired and adored by friends, family, and all who were lucky to cross paths with him. He will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GomleFund for Dignified Burials, www.gomlefund.org, Feeding Illinois, www.feedingillinois.org, or The Ark-Kosher Food Bank www.arkchicago.org/donate. The chapel service was private. The service was live-streamed Sept. 6 at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com.