CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- If you shopped or dined at The Little Traveler in Geneva, you probably knew Joe Greenberg.
The World War II veteran worked at the iconic store for over 50 years doing everything from coordinating inventory, to roaming the store in costumes, to being the staff photographer for special events.
According to The Little Traveler, he died on Sept. 2 at the age of 95.
WBBM Newsradio profiled Greenberg in December 2020 for his birthday, when he was out delivering packages during the pandemic.
“I am fortunate,” he previously said. “I’ve been into a lot of people's lives, momentarily or for a length of time, and that’s a blessing.”
Despite his age, Greenberg was a child at heart.
He told WBBM Newsradio all he ever wanted was to bring a smile to people's’ faces.
“There is no greater gift than that, as far as I’m concerned, there just isn’t, because those are the things that make the world go round," he said.
Store owner Mike Simon took to social media last week to say The Little Traveler lost a tremendous friend.
“He was perpetually upbeat, incredibly funny, and cared deeply about every one of us. We are grateful to have had him in our lives for so long, and will miss him terribly," Simon said.
The social media post added that Greenberg's family is planning a celebration of his life for a later, safer time.
The Little Traveler also plans to announce a charity people can donate to in his memory.