Neil Blitstein

Neil David Blitstein died surrounded by family at home on Saturday, September 20.

As a young teen, Neil achieved a moment of fame playing drums for notable Chicago bands. After high school it was strongly recommended that he join the army. Neil kept advancing up through basic and was honorably discharged Special Forces Green Beret 2 ½ years later. With freedom blowing in his hair, he drove his motorcycle, traveled the Southwest, and became a full fledge hippie and anti-war activist. Back in Illinois he resumed life with many companies dealing in scrap metal. By 1988 with four employees, he began Vehicle Valuation Services, a niche company, that is now the recognized leader by the insurance companies, providing total and diminished value assessment to commercial vehicles. VVSI now proudly employees 22 people.

Neil was always a car nut telling the times in his life by the cars he drove. He began collecting cars when he could afford with vehicles of beauty, that must also go fast. His collection now totals 28 cars. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and he had a story for occasion.

He was a supporter of many charitable concerns, Loyola Medical Center, where he received his lung transplant 8 years ago, The Holocaust Museum in Washington and Skokie, Northern Illinois Food Bank, The Peoples Resource Center, Wounded Warriors, Doctors without Borders and Planned Parenthood to name just a few.

Neil is survived by his wife Christine Cordin Blitstein and daughter Adeline Cordin Blitstein. He was preceded in death by his mother Sarah and Harold Blitstein. A Celebration of life  will be held Friday October 24th 1:00 to 4:00pm at 15W344 Plainfield Rd Burr Ridge Il.  In appreciation of the care provided by the team at Loyola a philanthropic fund has been established in memory of Neil that will support the care of others. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to the “Neil Blitstein Memorial Fund at Loyola Medicine.” Online: www.loyolamedicine.org/giving/. Check: Payable to “Loyola University Medical Center, Neil Blitstein Memorial Fund.” Mail to: Loyola Medicine Office of Philanthropy, 2 Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 600, Westchester, IL 60154. For more information contact Jen Iarrobino (773) 732.8369 or email Jen.Iarrobino@luhs.org

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