Phil Ashbach, Owner of Ukrainian Village's Fatso's Last Stand, Dies

By Jon Graef in Food on Jun 14, 2014 7:30PM

Phil Ashbach, the owner of Fatso's Last Stand, previously known as Phil's Last Stand, has died of brain cancer. He was 66 years old, and is survived by four children.

Here's what Ashbach's obituary said:

Lover of food both fine and fast, having opened four restaurants during the course of his life. Most notably Phil's Last Stand-recipient of multiple accolades, both personal and professional. Phil was full of life and enjoyed all aspects of it, especially fishing, Chicago sports (White Sox fan-not Cubs), Animals (especially his beloved canine buddy Elvis), and most importantly his friends and family for whom his loyalty was infinite.

Ashbach was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, which, as the Sun-Times notes, is "a particularly fast-moving, deadly, treatment-resistant brain tumor that usually kills in three to nine months."

After receiving treatment in the form of an experimental vaccine, Asbach told the Sun-Times he wasn't afraid of brain cancer, but worried about his family.

“I’m not really scared much,” Ashbach said. “I get melancholy a fair amount. I get sad. I worry about my family. ”

DNAinfo spoke to Bob Corbett, who called Ashbach a "true Chicagoan:"

Ashbach was known for his behind-the-counter wisecracks at Fatso's, which was previously called Phil's Last Stand, 2258 W. Chicago Ave. The spot is known for its fried shrimp, chardogs and "Fatso" burgers.

"He was a true Chicagoan," said Bob Corbett, who has been running the restaurant since Ashbach got too sick to do so. "If he thought he could joke around with you, he'd have fun with you. His thing was there was no way he could offend you. He'd say 'I'm a 400-pound Jew, and I'm bald. I'm the easiest guy to make fun of.' "

Fatso's will remain open. Donations in Ashbach's name may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Here's Phil in action: