Obituary
Maurice “Maury” Ettleson, 93, longtime car dealer, community supporter, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully July 16, 2025 at his home in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Maury built a legacy that combined business acumen, philanthropy, and an appreciation of art and culture.
Maury co-founded Celozzi-Ettleson Chevrolet in Elmhurst in 1968 with his business partner Nick Celozzi. Their dealership flourished throughout the 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s, earning the reputation as “the biggest Chevrolet dealership in America.” Their boisterous, cash-waving TV commercials became iconic in Chicagoland, seared into local memory with the tagline: “Where you always save more money!”
Maury shared nearly 68 years of marriage with his beloved wife Ruth (née Scharf) who passed away on March 17, 2025. Ruth and Maury were devoted parents to Michael (Jeri) Ettleson, Sherry Ettleson, and Linda (Gary) Stolberg, and cherished grandparents of Matthew (Melanie), Daniel (Inga), Lizzy (Jai), Jake, Rose, Ari, Maya, Hale, and Ilana and adored great-grandparents of Nolan, Milo, and Sadie. A special thank you goes to Maury and Ruth’s loyal caregiver Grace, who tended to their needs with love and compassion.
Maury was a supporter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, raising awareness and funding, bringing personal passion to the cause. He was an avid tennis player, baseball fan, book and music lover.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Illinois Chapter https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/illinois or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Chapel service, Monday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 WQ. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.