August Peter "Gus" Mauro

August Peter “Gus” Mauro, 75, of Melrose Park, IL, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on January 5, 1950, in Chicago, IL, Gus was the beloved son of Frank and Angeline Mauro and the devoted older brother of Frances and the late Catherine. A proud graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep in 1967, Gus carried the spirit of the Wolf Pack throughout his life. He went on to study structural engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he not only honed his lifelong passion for building but also met the love of his life, Pamela Renzi. The two married in 1973 and shared 51 rich years together.

Gus’s career was marked by dedication, innovation, and service. He began his professional journey at Chicago’s Department of Public Works, where his expertise in structural engineering helped shape the city he loved. He later played a pivotal role in O’Hare International Airport’s Construction Division, served as Deputy Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Development, and ultimately became Commissioner for the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing, where he championed urban development and affordable housing initiatives.

In 1979, Gus co-founded New West Realty, pioneering the revitalization of Chicago’s Near West Side communities. He later co-founded OPPIDANusa, lending his vast knowledge of construction, architecture, and engineering to projects across the industry. His work left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape, but more importantly, on the people he mentored and inspired.

Above all, Gus was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Alongside his wife Pam and sister Fran, he leaves behind his four greatest achievements—his children, Frank, Jeff, Emily, and Dana—for whom he was the epitome of love, strength, and unwavering support. He was also a loving father-in-law to Sarah and Kelly, a proud and doting “Poppie” to his grandsons, Frankie, Lorenzo, and Leno, and a cherished uncle, brother-in-law, cousin and friend to many. 

Gus found joy in restoring and driving his ’75 Cadillac Eldorado, watching the sun set at his Michigan City condo, and most of all, surrounding himself with family and lifelong friends. His presence was larger than life, and his legacy of kindness, laughter, and dedication will live on in all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Church of the Holy Family at 1080 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608 on February 8 from 9:00am – 10:45am with a mass directly following at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) in Gus’s honor.

Information: Cappetta-DiCanio Funeral Directors 708 222-T-O-N-Y (8669), 

708 222-F-R-E-D (3733), Or cappetta-dicanio.com