In Memorium
Stephen Paul David “Buzz” Eisenberg, Esq.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, dancer and prince among men, Stephen “Buzz” Eisenberg, died peacefully at home in Valparaiso, Indiana on Sunday, April 3, 2022, following a long illness. Buzz was a larger-than-life man about town who never met a stranger. He loved any excuse to don a tuxedo, clip on his father’s beautiful cufflinks, and whisk his wife around a dance floor. Over the past 25 years, Buzz and his wife Tricia tripped the light fantastic on 85 cruises in over 100 countries. They were welcome guests at every party, wedding, bris, baptism, bar mitzvah and graduation they were invited to, and maybe a few that they weren’t.
Proud father of Morrie and Jamie, beloved husband of Tricia Fox, and brother to Arthur (Susan), predeceased Adrienne (Jay and Carole), and predeceased Seth (Laurie, also deceased), Stephen Eisenberg was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Esther and Morris Eisenberg. At his alma mater, Culver Military Academy, Buzz played polo and rode horseback in the parade celebrating the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and DePaul University College of Law. In his professional life, Stephen/Buzz was a founding partner of the law firm Leahy, Eisenberg and Fraenkel in Chicago, where he brought his astounding energy and keen legal mind to bear for 45 years. He served on multiple state boards and committees dedicated to Arson Prevention; was a member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the Fire Service; contributed to the passage and implementation of the Illinois “Arson Information Immunity Bill”; and testified before the Illinois Legislature on multiple occasions.
Since his retirement, Buzz could be found at his lake house, the casino, on a boat, or in the theater. He particularly loved Broadway and any kind of drama. In a pinch, he would create it himself.
Buzz is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Tricia Fox, his brother, Arthur “Butch” Eisenberg, and his two children and their families: Jamie Eisenberg and Matthew Trumbell with Jacob, and Morrie Eisenberg and Natalie Holden. Buzz will also be remembered in love by his three stepchildren and their families: Teresa and Jens Ritterhoff with Leo and Nicolai; Karin and Jonathan Patterson with Edie, George, Charlie and Henry; and Lindsay and Allen Gordon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Buzz’s memory to the Culver Educational Foundation.
Remembrances of Buzz from Classmates
Friend, teacher, storyteller, family man, humanist and humanitarian, historian, there aren’t enough words. We all love you Buzz, there’s a hole in my heart.
--Doug Neumann
I'm really sorry for this loss of friend, companion, roommate. We all have our memories of Buzz which we can share or keep in our heats. I wish I had known him better.
--Howie Bridges
Thank the Buzzard for being part of my life. Long will he soar.
--Pvt Koether
He was truly part of all of us. We’ll miss you,Buddy. Thank you for giving us what you did.
--Mike Hood
Nannie Sue and I want to extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy. Buzz was a roommate of mine at Culver, a close friend and a great guy to celebrate Mardi Gras with. Although we were separated by many miles Buzz was the friend you always knew you could count on, that would always be there when and if you needed a friend. We will miss Buzz so much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
--Bob Sindelar
John, aging is not easy for anyone, Buzz - - and his stories and wit - - will be missed.
--Judy Calhoun
Very sad. Along with the loss of Bill Borkenstein, we are a lesser group---but we will have our memories.
--Marty Oberman
My prayers fellow Troop A member. We have lost a real great guy!
--Jeff Christie
Buzz was the brightest light during our time at Culver.
--Mitch Fry
I miss the ol’ BUZZard so much! I was so grateful to have connected with Buzz at Reunions, Minis, and other visits in a way that we never did in our days at the Academy. A true friend.
—John Davis
