Kenneth Allen Stanley, age 79, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, the city where he was born and spent his life.

Kenneth was born in Chicago to Mildred “Millie” Stanley and Harold Stanley. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Millie, who passed in 2008.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary Stanley (née Castro), to whom he was married for 38 years and with whom he shared nearly 45 years of life and love. He also leaves behind his daughter, Tiffany Sadler (née Stanley); his son-in-law, Sam Sadler; his stepson, Jason Post; and his cherished grandson, Sebastian Allen Sadler, proudly named in honor of his grandfather.

Kenneth was the longtime owner of Stanley Galleries Antiques, an antique shop in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood specializing in antique lighting from the 1880s through the 1920s. His passion for craftsmanship, beauty, and history was evident in his work, and his well-known phrase, “Let me light up your life,” reflected both his business and his spirit.

A lover of the arts, Kenneth found great joy in theater, film, and good food. He had a generous and giving heart and was known for celebrating individuality and uniqueness in others. Among his family, he was affectionately remembered for his Donald Duck impersonation, which earned him the treasured title of “Grandpa Donald Duck” from his grandson.

Faith and community were central to Kenneth’s life. He was a devoted member of the Chicago Church of Christ for 35 years, where he formed deep and lasting relationships. He was also a proud member of the “Bigfoot” group, a close-knit community that traveled west together each summer to camp—a tradition he cherished for nearly 50 years.

Above all else, Kenneth loved his family, his church community, his friends, and his business. He will be remembered for his generosity, his appreciation for what made each person unique, and the warmth he brought into every space he entered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Merit School of Music, Gottlieb Hall, located at 38 S. Peoria Street, Chicago, IL 60607. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Kenneth’s life, legacy, and the light he shared with so many.

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