An iconic businessman who helped put the Northwest suburbs in the national spotlight. A fiercely independent politician who fought for scientific advancement and human rights. A restaurateur whose name is synonymous with the unique fare and atmosphere he offered. These are among the notable suburbanites from Cook County and Lake County who passed in 2022.
Walter E. Smithe Jr., who built a furniture store empire that includes a big-box store on U.S. 30 near the Southlake Mall, died of natural causes at the age of
Walter E. Smithe Jr., the patriarch of the family behind the namesake furniture store, has died at age 86, according to a family announcement Wednesday night. Services will be held next week in Park Ridge.