Through his jobs, social activities and athletic pursuits, Glen Edward Stein’s life was marked by overcoming mental and physical disabilities. Mr. Stein, 78, a lifelong resident of Aurora and an employee of the Association for Individual Development of Aurora for more than three decades, died Friday, Jan. 23, in his home. Family members said Mr. Stein, the youngest of four children, was aided greatly during his life by his late mother, Helen, an early champion of children with disabilities. “He was taught from an early age how to do things for himself and get by,” said his nephew Dan. For the last 35 years, Mr. Stein worked in various office positions at the Association for Individual Development of Aurora at the Thompson Center, and more recently at the Keeler Center. Family members said he was most proud of his several years of employment as a clerk in the private sector at Wiese’s department store in Aurora, beginning in 1978. Another highlight of his younger years was befriending a projectionist at the old Paramount Theatre in Aurora, where he helped in the projection booth. In the early 1960s, Mr. Stein participated in a fitness program for developmentally disabled people, completing a 1-mile swim at the Aurora YMCA. “He was quite a swimmer, and although the mile swim was broken down into segments, it still took a lot of stamina,” his nephew said. Mr. Stein had many hobbies, his favorite a collection of model trains and train books. Family members said he was a movie buff who loved anything to do with Hollywood. He collected early film magazines and had shelves filled with videos. Mr. Stein especially delighted in making train trips to California, where he would visit with his niece. Family members said he had an uncanny ability to remember the details of any route he traveled. “His friendliness, humor and joyful spirit made him dear to all of us,” his nephew said. “He touched so many lives, just by being himself.” He also is survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, with a service at 7 p.m., in the Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora.
