Gerard McKeown, 62, of Sugar Grove, Illinois died suddenly on November 13, 2021.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 1:30pm-until the 2:30pm Funeral Service all at Willow Creek Huntley38W133 Huntley Rd, Dundee Township, IL 60118. Please use the West Door and the West Parking Lot. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to The American Heart Association.
Gerard was born on February 17, 1959 in White Plains, New York, the son of William B. McKeown and Catherine (Bonacci) McKeown. He attended Stepinac High School and graduated from Georgetown University in 1981. He went on to become a Vice President of Sales and Marketing in the Water Treatment Industry. He had two children, Madison and Breslin, whom he adored. On June 25, 2018, he married Gina G. Raine. Gerard was a people person and could talk with anyone. He had a keen sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved music and sports and was a great storyteller with a wealth of knowledge. He loved people but his greatest love was his family, especially his wife, Gina, and his children. He never met an animal he didn’t love. Gerard loved to cook and was famous for making pizza and preparing Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends. He was a kind, smart and loving person who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Gina, his children Madison “Madi” McKeown and Breslin (Riley) McKeown with his former wife Shelly McKeown, and by his stepdaughter, Samantha “Sam” Zeilinger. He is also survived by his twin brother Thad (Anne) McKeown, brother Morgan (Julie) McKeown, sister Mary Adele “Doll” (Peter) Gavin and by many cousins, nieces and nephews who all loved him very much. He left us way too soon. Rest in peace Rard, we miss you already and will treasure our memories of you forever and ever.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may be prompted to allow DefioreFuneral access to your camera.
I am heartbroken. Rard meant so much to me and I am so sorry I didn't keep more in touch with him. Love to the family.
I am very saddened to hear of Gerard's passing. He was my boss for a number of years when he was with Amtrol. He was a good friend even after we moved on from our Amtrol employment and we stayed in touch through the years. Rest in peace my friend.
I am heartbroken. Rard meant so much to me and I am so sorry I didn't keep more in touch with him. Love to the family.
In my world, paradise is yours and in that I take great comfort but I will miss you. Love, Your favorite sister
Gerard was my son in law for over 19 years. He brought smiles, love, support, humor, kindness and helped guide two beautiful children into this world. He has gifted us with Madi and Breslin who carry his best traits forward. We miss you. Rest in peace - your legacy lives on with Madi and Breslin.
Rard, you always beat me to the punch. Working with you in California in the 80's was a grand memorable time, from the Army Navy game at the Rosebowl to the Louis Armstrong impression with the piano player on the Princess Louise. I have not, and never will forget you, and the stories will still be told. Especially the endless orchards in the San Joaquin Valley that we traversed many times. I tired of you asking 'what kind of trees are those?', so I convinced you they were Walnut Trees. Took you 2 years to figure out that they were every kind of fruit tree instead. How you laughed. We will always remember the laughter. I believe this world was better off with you in it, I know mine is. So when next we meet, it will be on a sunny lawn in Bellflower, throwing horseshoes and popping whips with the old gang, and laughing until we cannot breath. The Greeks said 'no one dies unless they are forgotten'. No chance of that. Thank you my friend. And Rard, I know you will laugh at this..... I live on Walnut street.
Gerard, old friend, we hardly knew ye…The years flew by at the speed of life and we would go months and even year without contact but whenever we spoke it was like no time had passed at all… that was your gift and I will miss it…and you… until we meet again one day.