Sidney S. Schiller, 89, a longtime lawyer and civic leader who never forgot his West Side roots, died Sunday, Feb. 11, after a long illness in Northwestern Memorial Hospital. In the 68 years Mr. Schiller practiced law, he devoted countless hours to community and religious organizations and often lent his legal expertise to friends from his old neighborhood. “The thought of being able to help people was big for him,” said his son, Cook County Circuit Judge Stephen A. Schiller. “He used to say the practice of law is wonderful because you can make your living going down to the office in the morning and talking to a bunch of your friends.” The son of Polish immigrants, Mr. Schiller attended Crane Technical High School and was active with the Chicago Boys Clubs. He later served for many years on the organization’s board of directors, his son said. After high school, Mr. Schiller went on to graduate from DePaul University College of Law. He began a general-law practice in 1933 in the downtown office of another lawyer who gave him some desk space. That practice evolved into the firm of Schiller & Schiller, which focused on business, probate and real estate law. There, he practiced at times with his two sons, Stephen, and Donald C. Schiller, a senior partner at Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck and a former president of the Illinois State Bar Association. Throughout his career, Mr. Schiller was involved in many home, commercial and industrial developments. Mr. Schiller ran unsuccessfully for municipal court judge in 1946 and 1950. He helped found Congregation Mikro Kodesh Anshe Tiktin and was involved with other religious and philanthropic organizations. In addition to his sons, Mr. Schiller is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edith; a brother, Filmore; a sister, Rose Goldstein; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Temple B’nai Torah, 2789 Oak St., Highland Park.
