Harvey Walter Sass - 86

Steger, Illinois

Harvey Walter Sass, 86.Born in Crete, IL on August 31, 1939, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Matteson, IL.

Harvey was known for his generosity and relentless optimism and was blessed with many lifelong friendships and community connections. He was dedicated to building the family business and serving his customers. He affected the lives of many through Elmer and Son Locksmiths, Inc. including other locksmiths, local community members, fellow business owners, and many steadfast employees that were immediate and extended family.

Following his 1958 graduation from Bloom Township High School, Harvey proudly served in the United States Navy (1958-1962) on the USS Stoddard (DD-566) as a petty officer.  Harvey met his wife Patricia (Bross) in high school, and they married July 29, 1962, in San Diego, CA.  After the Navy, Harvey joined the family locksmith business started in 1941 by his father, Elmer Sass.  Harvey was a locksmithing expert and was exceptional with safe technology, taking time to even teach new safe technicians. He also served as an officer of The Greater Chicago Locksmith Association with his good friend Bob McCowan.  Locksmithing was a calling for Harvey. Patricia understood his passion and together they turned his lock collection into the Illinois Locksmith Museum (www.illinoislocksmithmuseum.com). The museum was featured by many newspapers including the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Southtown, and Harvey had a memorable visit from radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. Because of his incredible drive and dedication to the profession, Elmer and Son Locksmiths, Inc. proudly served the Chicago Southland area for over 84 years. 

Harvey’s life was abundant with social engagements, community fundraisers, and giving to others. He had many lifelong friends who shared his love of Italian food and good times. He loved the camaraderie of golf and created the Watermelon Golf Invitational. He also made sure to include spouses in the awards dinner. Golfing was a source of joy. Harvey frequently espoused the personal and professional benefits of golf to his grandsons. He was beyond thrilled when they learned to golf and gifted them personalized golf balls.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and his parents Elmer and Elenore. Harvey is survived by his four children, Kevin (Kim Moscato), Julie (Mark Nuter), Dwayne, and Amy (Jim Fiorato), and his ten grandchildren. Harvey’s grandchildren, their unique talents and achievements, were a source of tremendous pride. He was sure to remember milestones with cards at Christmas, birthdays and graduations. Grandchildren include Kevin and Kim’s daughters, Taylor, Hannah (Ben Yelton), and Sierra; Julie and Mark’s son Gregory Nuter; Dwayne’s sons Jonathan (Agata Matysik) and Kyle (Paige Baenen); and Amy and Jim’s children Madison, Cameron (Lia Delich), Harvey, and Elliott Fiorato. Harvey was very proud that his first grandson, Jonathan shared his August 31st birthday and that Amy honored Harvey with the naming of her oldest son.

Harvey is survived by his loving sister, Lorraine and brother-in-law Gordon Walker, their daughters Gail (Derrick Shannon) and Christine, and Christine’s son Nicholas. Harvey is also survived by many nieces and nephews of Patricia’s large family. 

In celebration of Harvey’s life, the family will hold an Open House at Scrementi’s Restaurant and Banquets (3760 Chicago Rd. Steger, IL) on Saturday, September 20 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A brief program will take place at 1:15 p.m. Info panozzo@panozzobros.com or 708.481.9230.