ArrowStream CEO Dies Months After Loop Shooting

Steven LaVoie, 54, the CEO of ArrowStream who was shot by a disgruntled employee in Chicago's Loop this July, has died.

LaVoie's wife, Jody, posted a message about his death to the CaringBridge site where she would make periodic updates on his health. 

"Steve was a man who cared about everyone and was passionate in all aspects of his life," she wrote. "I always knew this, but over the past few months so many people have reached out to me to share how Steve inspired them, or shared his gift of friendship and kindness. So many of you have related a funny Steve moment, or recounted good times from recent years or decades ago. Your thoughtful notes have inspired me and provided a much needed light to me and my family."

LaVoie was shot on July 31st inside his office at the 231 S. LaSalle Street building. A long time employee and friend, Tony DeFrances, 60, shot LaVoie multiple times before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. DeFrances had requested a 1-on-1 meeting with LaVoie prior to the shooting. 

LaVoie founded the company, ArrowStream, which provides supply chain management solutions for the food service industry, in 2000.

“Steven loved to question the status quo,” Frank Morgiewicz, CEO at ArrowStream, said in a statement. “He inspired us to challenge ingrained mindsets and encourage new ways of thinking. His creativity and influence in the supply chain industry is felt in many circles, and is witnessed in the tremendous outpouring of goodwill as he fought to recover from his injuries.”

"ArrowStream will miss its Founder, leader, mentor, and friend, while it continues to advance Steven’s vision for bettering supply chains for current and future customers," the company said in a statement.

"We are honored to carry on Steven’s legacy of innovation and partnership in our work with our customers,” said Morgiewicz. “We can think of no better response to this tragedy than to continue delivering the next generations of solutions to our customers’ core supply chain challenges.”

Jody said in her posting that services are planned for October 17. 

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