Leo Leonard Gedvilas

Leo Gedvilas Obituary

Leo Leonard Gedvilas of Naperville since 1952 Funeral services for Leo Leonard Gedvilas, 79, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, and proceed to Sts. Peter & Paul Ministry Center Chapel, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Born Sept. 7, 1923, in Spring Valley, Ill., he died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at ManorCare in Naperville. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton. Mr. Gedvilas grew up in Spring Valley and was a graduate of Hall High School. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign while lettering in basketball and baseball. Mr. Gedvilas was employed for 39 years with the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, Chicago (now University of Illinois at Chicago), beginning as a physical education instructor and later retiring as assistant dean of the physical education department in 1987. Mr. Gedvilas was UIC's first basketball coach, serving from 1947 to 1958. With his record of 102 wins and 80 losses, he still holds the highest winning percentage (.560) of any UIC basketball coach. Mr. Gedvilas served as membership chairman for the State Universities Annuitants Association, University of Illinois at Chicago Chapter (SUAA/UICC) from 1990 to 1991. He was an active member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Naperville, serving as a religious education teacher and as a member of the bingo committee and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing things, nature, and especially spending time with his 18 grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Darlene A. Gedvilas (nee Pakula) of Naperville, whom he married Sept. 2, 1950; children, Tom Gedvilas of Michigan, Larry (Sheila) Gedvilas of Wheaton, Joe (Sue) Gedvilas of Lisle, John (Lynn) Gedvilas of Colorado, Bob (Sue) Gedvilas of Aurora, Mary Ellen (Scot) Butz of Geneva and Andy (Sharon) Gedvilas of Naperville; grandchildren, Kristina, Lauren, Stephanie, Nick, Will, Lita, Jim, Leigh, Todd, Brett, Christopher, Kathryn, Stacey, Bryan, Tyler, Anthony, Nathan and Sophie; sister, Louise (Joe) Urbanski of Spring Valley; daughter-in-law Irene Gedvilas of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary (nee Stanish) Gedvilas; and brother, Peter Gedvilas. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul School, Office of Development, 201 E. Franklin Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; or to the Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Association, Chicago Area Chapter, 4709 Golf Road, Skokie, IL 60076. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (630)355-0213.

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Published by Daily Herald on Jan. 28, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Leo Gedvilas

14 Entries

Eleanor Blyden

January 30, 2003

Leo Gedvilas was my first boss at the University, and he taught me a great deal about office procedure. You were an inspiration in my life, Leo.

To the family, you have my deepest sympathy, he will live on in our hearts forever.

Patricia Shalloo Leahy

January 29, 2003

Mr. Gedvilas was a teacher and administrator of mine at UIC. I will always remember the kind and classy way he represented himself. A true professional in every sense of the word.

My deepest Sympathy to his loved ones.

Anna Roman

January 29, 2003

Leo you were a great guy. You orginally hired me in 1974 as a temporary help. Here it is 2003 and I'm still here at UIC. Thanks for giving me the opportunity of working with you and the wonderful Physical Education Staff. I've learned a lot from you and the other guys. May you rest in peace and I'm sure your family will always remember the good times and you will be in their hearts forever.

Anna

Mark Quinn

January 29, 2003

I didn't know Leo very well, but I saw him almost every morning. His smiling visage was a source of great comfort and joy to all of us at 6:45 Mass at SS. Peter and Paul. We will miss his gentle presence, and the calm reassurance he always gave those of us who shared the Blessed Sacrament with him.

No, I didn't know Leo very well, but wish that I had. His story is a remarkable one, but we only knew him as the wonderful guy we saw each morning.

Leo, we will miss you at 6:45. We wish you the best of eternity, God's eternal love, and the comfort and joy of basking in His never-ending presence.

God bless you, Leo.

Bob Jones

January 28, 2003

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of Coach Gedviles. I was a member of his basketball team from 1956 to 1958. He was a good coach and a good man and was respected by his players.

Christine Baluk-Grba

January 28, 2003

Joe, Sue and Family

My condolences to you and your family. Your loss is definitely felt.

The Grba Family:

Steve, Christine (Baluk), Michael, Aleksandra & Stefanie

Thomas Sattler

January 28, 2003

We will all miss you at the University.

Ron Zoran

January 28, 2003

Larry, Sheila & Family:

Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers & thoughts are with with you and your family. May God bless.

Sincerely,

Ron & Cathi Zoran

St. Irene - Warrenville

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