Jeffrey J. Asperger
In the summer of 1970, 17-year-old Jeffrey J. Asperger could not wait to get out of Youngstown, Ohio. It was a time of peace protests, long hair, muscle cars, drugs, and rock and roll, and Jeff embraced it all when he headed off to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Less than two years later he returned home with shoulder-length hair, a stray dog, a slim GPA, one semester of credit, and a case of hepatitis C. Jeff’s parents offered him a bedroom in the basement if he agreed to get a job and take night classes at Youngstown State.
He worked that summer hanging aluminum siding for $3.25 an hour. He liked construction, but wanted to be his own boss. At the end of the season, Jeff offered the contractor his life savings — a couple hundred dollars — for a few ladders, pump jacks, and a table saw.
In the ensuing 4 years, Jeff worked from May to October as a “tin man” contractor, cladding Youngstown bungalows and ranches in aluminum. The winters he clerked evenings at a local Ramada Inn, drove a forklift for a beer distributor, and worked part-time at the nearby GM Lordstown plant, all while attending classes at Youngstown State and Kent State.
By 1976, armed with a BA and an MA in English from Kent State, Jeff left Youngstown a second time, heading off to John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Three years later he was hired as a litigation associate at the Loop law firm Clausen Miller.
Over the next four decades, Jeff flourished as an associate and partner at Clausen and, later, at the helm of his own 4-lawyer litigation boutique headquartered in Two Prudential Plaza. He specialized in catastrophic industrial accidents, trying cases involving silo explosions, crane collapses, warehouse conflagrations, high rise fires. and barge collisions.
Over his career, including his last three years as Of Counsel at Meltzer Purtell and Stelle, he won over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Jeff loved Chicago. Migrating from condos in Sandburg Village to North State Parkway to Michigan Avenue overlooking the Water Tower, he was a fixture first at Harry’s, Excalibur, and the Pump Room, and later at Gibson’s, Prosecco and Marchese.
An avid sailor, Jeff competed in Atlantic Ocean regattas and over 20 Mackinac races, most in his own boat, a Tartan-10 named Bombshell, out of the Columbia Yacht Club. His most memorable race was one of his first, beating over 300 competitors in the 1981 Mac as a crew member on the winning boat Thunderbird.
Jeff’s need for speed included an ever-changing fleet of motorcycles — from off-road dirt bikes to touring Harleys — and exotic sports cars, which he loved showing off at car shows.
Transitioning effortlessly between black leather and black tie, Jeff was a long-time member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Union League Club, the Goodman Theater, the Art Institute, and most recently, an enthusiastic supporter of the Collaboraction Theater Company.
Jeff died Sunday, October 11 at the age of 68 of congestive heart failure (not Covid-related). He is survived by his brother Jonathan and sister-in-law Liz, (La Grange, IL); his brother James (Albuquerque and Taos, NM); and his nephews Kyle (Columbus, OH) and Devin (Los Angeles, CA). Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carolyn Asperger. Jeff also leaves scores of devoted friends, two ex-wives, two Porsches and a Ferrari. Services will be held in the Spring, pandemic permitting. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the American Heart Association, or the Collaboraction Theater Group.
A thorough, spot-on, lovely obit and tribute. Brings both tears and fond memories. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sending the obituary. I learned just a few days ago about Jeff’s death and was stunned. Jeff was a neighbor in Chicago and in Covert, Michigan and a great addition to our lives in both places. He enjoyed life to the fullest and I will miss him. The author of the obituary captured Jeff’s personality beautifully. Thank you for the email. Larry
Jeff was a friend to many. He was kind, generous, and funny. With all that he accomplished, he was still humble and made himself available to help others whenever possible. I am glad to have counted amongst his friends.
Larry and I shared so many good times—laughter. good wine, and good friends at Jeff’s summer house. We will miss his love for life, his generosity, and his friendship. He left us all way too soon.
With a hat-tip to Jeff’s M.A. in English, and to how he made the most of his one-go-round, Polonius in “Hamlet” offered the famous:
“This above all: to thine own self be true
And it must follow, as the night the day
Thou canst not then be false to any man/Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!”
Wonderful tribute to my dear brother Jeff. I have only known Jeff for a little over a year but he left such a profound impact on me. As a result of Jeff, I became aware of and have subsequently become an avid supporter of Collaboraction theater company, joining their board of directors. I have attended many car shows with Jeff driving my dream car, a 2019 Corvette Z06…. Which of course none other than Jeff himself helped me to make a reality. Thank you for being a great friend, giving me sound advice and offering your time and energy whenever you could to help me and others around you. Thank you for everything. I will forever look for opportunities to leave an impact on someone just as you did with me. Rest easy “my friend” as you would say.
The comments capture the Jeff I recall from the post-law school days in the 80’s. A zest for life and one well-lived.
Lucien and I met Jeff last year while in line at the opening of the movie Ford versus Ferrari. His love of live was obvious and infectious . We became friends instantly. This is shocking and so sad. Our condolences to his loved ones.
RIP
Lucien and Melinda Lagrange
Last time I saw my cousin Jeff, I was visiting my older brother in Sedona, AZ. Jeff had business in Phoenix, AZ.. but after wrapping things up he came to Sedona. The following day my brother, Jeff and I went mountain biking. Right up Jeff’s alley. That was also the case for me, being an advent trail and mountain biker. My brother growing up I believe won some racing competitions but you are on a ten speed and on pavement. After our endeavor we made our way back home. My brother Glenn looked like Jeff and I beat him up and yes we caught hell from Glenn’s wife Sherril. I spent a summer with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. I even had the pleasure of sleeping in Jeff’s basement crib when he was not in town and I was visiting. No one and nothing can rob us of the memorable times we all shared as family. Jeff, I am looking forward to seeing you again cousin when the two of us are in a better place. You Rock Jeff. Much love! Your Cousin, Keith
With poise and confidence, Jeff could make friends with a roomful of people unlike anyone I have ever known. A man of great culture, suave in looks and manners, and always eager to share a story or a good joke. Jeff truly lived a grand life, emulated by many. He touched on and left a sizable, positive impression to those he met. Jeff was my good friend and fellow car enthusiast; I will miss him a great deal. Rock on bud!
Jeff was an authentic good guy. It was always a pleasant surprise to enter a room and see that he was in attendance. I will miss our car talks and surprise meetings at Prosecco. As they say, his was a life well-lived. He is already missed.
Where to start ? Jeff was a wonderful influence on me and both of my children. I was going through a divorce. Single with two pre teenage children who spent a lot of time with me when I moved into the apartment across the hall from Jeff .
Jeff was a blessing to me and my children. I of course was initially a bit apprehensive ; but Jeff was a great and positive influence both for me and my children. I could go on and on with the many positive ways Jeff influenced our lives. I have always felt it was unfortunate Jeff never had children of his own.
The pillow fights and balcony shenanigans were made so much more fun with Jeff who was like an uncle to my brother and me. His silly jokes and great sense of humor always made us laugh. What a tragic loss for all those who loved Jeff. He will be greatly missed and dad I’m so sorry for the loss of your good friend. –
Jeff was an impressive man and a source of great inspiration for me. His kindness and philanthropic nature was apparent upon our first meeting. Please watch over us here and light our paths. Rest now my friend….until we meet again!
Jeff was one of a kind – and I am convinced from another era. We instantly connected at a fundraiser for Benjamin Marshall several years ago and then it was like he was everywhere! We saw each other at Economic Club dinners- often meeting before or after to catch up on the latest. We both shared a fondness for vintage cars, beautiful people and memorable parties. Jeff was an example of living life to its fullest- something I hold onto as we all heal from his immense loss.
Jeff was kind, interesting, funny with unmatched intelligence and wit! I love the obit- as if he would have written it himself. He was my friend, confidant, big brother, step in date when I needed one and fellow gear-head. I’ll miss Saturday morning coffee’s, Porsche gatherings, Friday no date nights, car exhibits, the symphony and sharing our mutual love for Riccardo Muti! What a gem he was! Never to be forgotten.
A month and a day has gone by since you left this earth. How strange it is to know that we will no longer hear your voice, your jokes and smile. Had I known, I would have picked up your call. I am so so sorry I couldn’t say goodbye. Benjamin was excited to see the box of magic tricks and that is just one of the many things we will miss about you…from our love for art, car shows, gala events, dinners/wine and spicy margaritas, fashion and etc…you were one of a kind. We love and miss you but we hope that you are in a better place now. Take care Jeff, it was so nice to have you in our lives!