Roger Stell, Pillar Of Chicago's Recovery Community, Dies At 40

OAK LAWN, IL — Roger Jude Leonard Stell, a pillar of Chicago’s recovery community, died unexpectedly Aug. 2. He was 40 years old.

He was born Feb. 5, 1983 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, to Robert and the late Cindy Stell, who preceded him in death a week earlier. Roger grew up in Oak Lawn and worked there most of his adult life. He was residing in Wood Dale at the time of his death.

Roger is a 2001 graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School, where he had four years of perfect attendance. He graduated from Cameo Beauty Academy in 2006. Roger worked at Hair Cuttery in Oak Lawn, and later transferred to the salon’s Elmhurst location.

"When we were small children, Roger would pick up old broken phones and radios from garage sales,” his sister, Pattie Stell, told Patch. “With absolutely no instruction, he would take things apart, fix them and put them back together again."

>>> Funeral Services for Roger Jude Leonard

Roger was a talented hair stylist with a keen eye for photography and design. An animal lover, he was a lifelong member of Brookfield Zoo, a place he liked to visit with his father, Robert. He converted to Catholicism in 2022.

“Roger was truly an extraordinary person. He always had a warm and inviting presence and just knew how to light up a room,” said Alicia Joechle, a colleague at the Hair Cuttery. “He truly valued his friendships and was always there if you needed him. He was very intelligent and had a great sense of creativity with hair and had a sharp eye for capturing the moment that spoke to him with his favorite Kodak camera. He always knew how to have fun and to make you laugh no matter what.”

Friends and family described Roger as a loving, considerate, giving, trusted, hilarious friend, brother and son. Roger’s hobbies included photography, old movies, collecting records, cameras and antique toys.

"Roger was the most unique person I've ever met. He could turn ordinary things into other worlds with ease,” said Sarah Grana, a long time childhood friend and neighbor. “Growing up together was exceptionally beautiful and wonderful. He was so funny and creative, and a gift to anyone that knew him. He was dearly loved by us all and will be missed immensely."

Long time friend Gina Montoya recalled memories of a childhood well spent at the Stell home, dancing with friends and laughing to the point of hysteria from his jokes. She was astounded by Roger’s ability to photograph the most seemingly mundane things and turn them into objects of art because of his perspective and beauty.

“He always played the most perfectly timed records,” Montoya said. “It was astounding to me. Roger and his sister, Pattie, educated me in art, music, film, vintage treasures and also allowed me the grace to be myself. I only hope they know how significantly so.

Roger leaves his father, Robert, and sister, Pattie. He was a beloved cousin and nephew of many aunts and uncles. A memorial visitation with family is set for 4 p.m., with a service at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn, 100th Street and Central Avenue.

Friends have organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help pay for Roger’s funeral costs.