David Phillip Gregoire

David Phillip Gregoire, age 65, of Oak Park, IL, peacefully passed away of cancer at home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Dave was born January 2, 1958, in Kankakee, IL, the son of Edward and Jeannette (Blanchette) Gregoire. He remained lifelong friends with many of his classmates from Bishop McNamara High School. Creative from a young age, Dave, along with business partner Sarah Polarek, turned a Halloween costume into a lifelong career as owners of Those Funny Little People. Career highlights include years in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and at Marshall Fields as the Christmas Elves Wally and Victor and Mistletoe Bear, as well as appearances on America's Got Talent and China's Got Talent and travels to Dubai, Malaysia and countless fairs and weddings. Following Dave's retirement, Those Funny Little People live on under new ownership by a former employee.

Dave married his lifetime partner of 43 years, Jerry (Lyons) Gregoire, on October 15, 2022, in a private ceremony officiated by a dear friend in their garden courtyard. The couple shared a passion for interior design and gardening, working together on many professional and personal projects over the years. Dave was active in the St. Edmunds's Catholic Church, serving in the choir and as cantor.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Ann and is survived by his husband Jerry Gregoire and beloved dog Hampton; brothers Clark (Sue) Gregoire of Bourbonnais, IL and Daniel (Tracey) Gregoire of Millville, NJ; sister Chrissy (Kenny) O'Connell of St. Peter, MN, and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Among the many blessings that Dave and his husband hold dear is their faith, and the love of their expansive circle of friends.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Giles Catholic Church of Oak Park, IL on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, donations to Howard Brown Health in Chicago, IL would be appreciated.