John N Pauly

John Pauly, 86, of Niles, Illinois, passed away on September 2nd, 2025, surrounded by his family. John’s very active life was disrupted by a sudden cancer diagnosis in January 2025. He fought hard to beat a rare form of Lymphoma. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Diane; two daughters, Linda and Carol (Bob); two granddaughters, Erica (Danny) and Gianna; two step grandsons, Garrett and Jay; and three great grandsons, Anthony, Dominic and Giovanni, who all brought him so much joy. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Pauly, and brother Tom Pauly.

John was born and raised in Chicago, and had a big group of neighborhood friends, whose friendship continued as they all aged. John served as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, went to DeVry University, joined IBM, and embarked on what would be a long, successful career as a technician. During his career, he received an award for an idea that benefited the company and its clients. John worked many overtime hours to provide for his family. 

John’s true passion was flying, and up until his diagnosis, he was a pilot and private flight instructor with the Stick & Rudder Flying Club in Waukegan – his second family! John holds numerous advanced certifications and has trained many new pilots, some of which have moved on to becoming commercial pilots. His legacy lives on in the skies!

Those who knew John knew how knowledgeable he was in not only flight instruction, but in computers, finances, home and auto repair, woodworking, and much more. He could fix anything both inside and outside of the home. He was always on call for a project, repair, or advice. You knew when John was doing or teaching it, it would be done right! He was a stickler for detail and quality and would not shortcut anything. John read and when he did, it was always with a purpose in improving his wealth of knowledge. His vast, self-taught knowledge made him a resource for almost any issue big or small. 

John could also be found strumming his guitar. He had a deep love for music and played multiple instruments. John’s granddaughters have fond memories of their Pa teaching them to play poker or helping with last minute school projects when they were young. Of course, the projects were always done to perfection and earned them A’s! John’s daughters recall watching Clint Eastwood movies or Columbo with him, as well as teaching how to go about home improvement projects. Of John’s great grandsons, the oldest will be able to remember watching tractor and railroad videos with his Papa.

Later in life, John and his wife Diane enjoyed connecting after busy days, relaxing, and going out to dinner.

John will be sorely missed for his strength and endless consul and guidance, but most importantly by his family. We love and will miss you.

Visitation Will be held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral Tuesday 10:15 AM. to St. Brebeuf Church for an 11:00 AM Mass. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. Funeral info 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com