In 1993, Kevin Bell had just been named director of the Lincoln Park Zoo and anxiously awaited his luncheon meeting with philanthropist and zoo supporter Joseph Regenstein Jr.
Bell thought to himself: “I can’t even imagine where Joe Regenstein, this famous person, will take me to lunch.”
The two ended up at one of the millionaire’s favorite eateries, a diner on Cumberland Avenue that served cheeseburgers just the way Regenstein liked them.
“It was so comfortable–not a fancy club that was all ritzy,” Bell recalled. “It was such a big day for me–that I was going to talk to this person. He was so down to earth; there were no airs about him.”
Mr. Regenstein, 75, a quiet, unassuming man who gave more than $100 million through his family’s foundation to dozens of Chicago institutions, died Thursday of cancer in Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
He was the president of the foundation started by his father, Joseph Sr., and his mother, Helen. He shunned the limelight, believing his projects should speak for themselves.
He chose endeavors at zoos, museums and hospitals, places that would touch a wide range of individuals. Those places included the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Art Institute of Chicago, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, and Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center.
He financially supported Summit School, a program that works with learning disabled and high-achieving students. But he also pushed its founder, Ruth Tofanelli, to write a book about her experiences and spread the word on her educational approach.
“He saw what we were doing with children,” she said. “He took the time to come out and look. He was undoubtedly the kindest man I have ever known in my life. He was an inspiration to me.”
At the Art Institute, the foundation largely funded the construction of Regenstein Hall in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building. At the Botanic Garden, Mr. Regenstein supported a personal interest, a fruit and vegetable garden now named after the family.
“He was a quiet leader” said Barbara Whitney Carr, president and chief executive officer of the Botanic Garden. “He never drew attention to himself. He gave in the most generous of ways, only wanting what was right for the places he gave to and the people it benefited.”
Mr. Regenstein believed that “if used wisely and correctly, money could go a long way in affecting people’s lives,” recalled Robert Mecca, vice president of the foundation, who worked with Mr. Regenstein for 22 years. “Joe never cut corners.”
Mr. Regenstein is survived by his wife, Joan; a daughter, Susan Frank; a son, Joseph III; two sisters, Betsy Hartman and Ruth Regenstein; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday in Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 1035 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the funeral home.
