Jerry R. Gill

Jerry R Gill (Ricky) was born in Chicago,IL. On September 13,1948. He died in Valparaiso, IN. On April 19,2020.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Celeste Valenti-Gill of Valparaiso, IN; children Toni Pillow (Mushandi) of Wilberforce, OH, Teresa Gill of Yellow Springs, OH, Terence Gill (Eunisha) of Montgomery, AL, Marissa Gill (Vincent) of Valparaiso, IN, and Sophia Gill of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren Randall (Katie),Mushandi,Mairah,Mavin,Meyah,Lily,Egypt,and Greyson; Great grandchildren Malaki and Aliyah; siblings Kenneth,Michael ( Louella) Pamela Gill Willis,Stanley (Linda), sister in laws Rita, Monique and numerous aunts,uncles,nieces,nephews,cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Randeline and Jeremiah Gill; siblings Alvin and Byron.

Jerry was a gentleman who would do anything for anybody and had a strong work ethic that is increasingly rare today, yet he never asked for anything in exchange. He was soft-spoken, yet firm when it was called for and a steady source of strength and calm for his family and close relatives. He had the patience of Job when dealing with life’s challenges, as well as a great knack for accommodating other personalities, no matter how difficult they might be. Most of all, Jerry was an exemplary husband and father who had a deep,abiding,unconditional love for his family.

Jerry loved music and loved sharing his encyclopedic knowledge and collection with others. He filled his spare time as a DJ, providing music for university gatherings,retirement parties,weddings,dances,and other events like his youngest daughter’s Swim-a-Thons. He also provided music and audio services for an annual bike ride fundraiser for the Friedreichs’s Ataxia Research Alliance(FARA), a national nonprofit organization that raises funds for scientific research into that degenerative neuro-muscular disorder.

Jerry grew up in Chicago, where he attended Crane Technical High School. From there he entered the Air Force before serving in Vietnam and the Air Force Reserves for 20 years. He was a dedicated employee of Jernberg Forgings, then served as an Illinois State Trooper for 10 years before joining the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1989.He quickly moved into supervisory roles, where he embodied the idea of service to others. He used his detailed knowledge about the elaborate campus and its people to find new and more efficient ways to improve campus operations and serve his customers. Jerry was beloved by those whom he worked for and those who worked for him.

Please keep Jerry and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.

Public Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

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