Andrew Shawn Grist, of Huntley, passed away on July 3, 2025 at the age of 54.
Andrew was born in West Allis, Wisconsin on January 15, 1971, to Robert and Margaret (Peebles) Grist. On November 27, 1999 he married Gail Lynn Conforti. He worked as a PC/Network Technician in the I.T. Department at Weber-Stephens LLC. His job fueled his interest in grilling; he earned the title of Grill Master while he worked there. Andrew was a man of many talents, and could cook, build, and fix anything he put his mind to. He was passionate about fantasy and sci-fi novels and films, and among his favorites were Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings. Andrew also loved video and tabletop games, anime, manga, and cars. He had a deep love for all animals. Andrew was outgoing, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was creative both artistically and imaginatively. He was a kind-hearted, caring, and loving husband, father, brother, and friend who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife Gail, his children Jordyn, Alyssa, and John, and by his siblings Debbie (Rae) Whicker, Lois (John) Govern, Shelly (Peter) Grist-Watts, Dorothy (Truman) Wycoff, Robert (Margie) Grist, and Sara (Tim) Naden. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Linda Conforti, and his many nieces and nephews.
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. until mass at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church (10307 Dundee Rd, Huntley, IL 60142). A private burial will be held afterward at Prairie Cemetery in St. Charles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
For further information please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home at (847) 515-8772. Online
condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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To my best friend Andy, you will be missed so much my heart breaks everyday. Your smile, your laugh, your big heart, your food, and especially your friendship will be missed every day. I’ll miss having old fashioneds and your “special” teas and lemonades at Brian’s and just talking about life. You are in gods hand now, god will learn everything about Star Wars. Love you forever and miss you forever, your friend “Tricky Ricky”
I am so sorry friend. We love you and will walk through this with you.
Your never ending kindness and support and all Around ‘GREAT ATTITUDE’ about life - family - work and everything always brought so much happiness and joy to those around you. It was a honor and pleasure to know you as a friend and work with you. The world has lost a fantastic human and you will be sorely missed Andrew. And your memory will indeed live on forever and ever Sir.
Andy, you were such a great friend turned family to us. 21 years of a wonderful friendship, full of many laughs and always full of great food and drinks. You always lent us a helping hand whenever needed. I will miss your laugh, your delicious homemade food, your hugs and touching your cool spiky hair. Life will not be the same without you! Missing you so much already, Love, Kimmie
Andrew's smile is appears as soon as I think of him. Such a sweet, sweet man! Loved the golf cart jokes and the camaraderie at work. You will be sorely missed!
Andrew, it was a true honor and privilege to know you—not only as a colleague but as a friend. The world has lost a remarkable soul, and your absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Your warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know you. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of kindness and strength will live on in our hearts—forever.......GO CUBS!
With deepest sympathy to the entire family. I am sending any prayers and much love to you all during this incredibly difficult time. I hope it helps knowing that many people are keeping you close and thought and prayers. May God comfort you.
My condolences to his family and friends. I had the privilege of working with Andrew at Weber. He was kind, funny and always willing to help. He was a great mentor to me when I started and was a great work buddy. I am saddened by his loss, but will always remember him with a smile. May the memories you share be a comfort to you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
My condolences goes out to him he raised a good household and I know that even tho I never met him rest in peace fly higher than any other
I am very saddened to hear of Andy's passing. I always have and always will consider him a very close friend. He was a great friend, and he will be missed.
Dear Gail, We were so shocked and saddened by the loss of Andy. What a beautiful man he was. Gentle in nature and kind in spirit. This was clear upon meeting him or spending any amount of time with him. A dedicated and loving father and husband. Also, evident in knowing him however briefly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you. Much love, Diana & Len
My heart goes out to my best friend, and her family during this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking of you all and sending prayers.
Andy, I will never forget the time we first met and made an instant bond over everything "Star Wars". Over the years, we shared so much more and we became more like family, I will miss the jokes and the stories we told, but mostly planning on going to the next great movie coming out and the next Comic Con we could go to. Goodbye for now, my brother, we will meet again in a galaxy far, far away.
Alyssa, I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. I can only imagine the pain you’re feeling right now. I want you to know that I’m truly here for you, whether you want to talk, cry, laugh, or just sit in silence. You’re not alone. It was really cool to see a glimpse of your dad’s life. He was such an interesting man and his smile was so contagious. His story will for sure live on through all the stories you share about him. Love you bestie! -Skyla
My friend… memories from so long ago. So much I remember and will hold onto all the days of my life.
Andy, you've been a fantastic neighbor and friend to us since moving next door in 2003. Your kindness, helpfulness, humor, jolly laughter, and amazing grilling will never be forgotten. You left us too soon, but we'll catch up with you in eternity. We pray that God takes special care of your family, especially during this most difficult time. Dan and Carla Rosen
Andy, we always knew when you wee over to see "the collection" because we could hear your jolly laugh throughout the house and couldn't help but smile. "Let's ask Andy", became our go to when we had a question about almost anything and you never hesitated to help us and advise us on everything from car troubles, technology issues and yes even cooking techniques. Your genuine kindness and generosity was truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken over losing you, but the memories will live on forever and every time we think of you we will smile :)
I had the pleasure of working with Andrew at Weber. He was always extremely supportive of me and my team. We also had the connection of our love for grilling and shared recipes and techniques on a personal level. My family's thoughts and prayers go to his family in this very challenging time. I am sure Andrew will be missed by many. Heartfelt thoughts to all who have known him and will miss him.
Gail, our hearts are with you, your children and the entire family during this tough time. We are holding you close in thought and trust that you are surrounded by love and strength by those closest to you all. I'm so sorry
we are sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Andy, we go way back...you were even best man in my wedding. This news was a very hard-hitting shock. Thank you for being such a good friend and all the great times we had. Love you, man...Godspeed!