Gregory Smith

Gregory Joseph Smith February 3, 1962 - January 17, 2025

Born in Chicago, Illinois

Raised in Mount Prospect, Illinois

Greg was a kind and gentle person throughout his life. He will be remembered for many things, including, but not limited to: his easy-going nature, his passion for drag racing and NASCAR, and his avid pursuit of car-related hobby groups. Most importantly, he will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, and the love they gave back to him.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Warren, his mother, Bea, and his twin sister, Val. He lived in his childhood home from the time he was toddler until the time of his unexpected death. Greg and his father shared a love for antique trains, and they would often visit the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL. Bea was a wonderful cook, and Greg, his family, and friends would often be served delicious, generous helpings of traditional Polish foods. Val and Greg also had a common love, cats. Both of them always found room in their hearts and their home for sweet feline friends.

Greg was a hard-working man, from his years of mechanical work at Meineke in Northbrook, IL, to his final position at Scranton Distribution, distributing the Chicago Tribune and other major newspapers across the Chicagoland area. He could always be counted on to do his job in the best way possible, and made many good friends at his places of work.

Friends, co-workers, and neighbors have shared stories of how wonderful Greg was, and how he could always make someone smile. Some of his friends referred to him as "Reggie", as he was a fan of music by Reginald Dwight Smith, otherwise known as Elton John. Classic rock was always his favorite genre of music. Greg was also a huge Dale Earnhardt fan, and owned many souvenirs of the famed #3.

Karin H., a former co-worker, remembers the many times when he would work on his co-workers' cars in the company parking lot. Greg helped out anyone who needed a hand.

Dave D., Greg's landlord's son, recalled several instances where he and Greg would talk about cars for hours, losing track of time, and enjoying each other's company.

His many friends from the Hot Wheels community described Greg as a "gentle giant", trustworthy, knowledgeable, and always great to hang around.

Jane B., his girlfriend and fiancee between 1988 and 1994, remembers the time he wrote "You're simply irresistible" on the back window of her car as she was attending a Robert Palmer concert with her brother. She will always fondly remember him as a best friend from 1986 until the day he passed away.

Please use the following link to donate to the GoFundMe to ensure Greg has a dignified cremation, a celebration of life, and is properly interred near his parents at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. There, you can also see updates on any plans made for a celebration or interment. Any additional funds will be donated to a charity befitting of the kind and gentle man Greg was.

https://gofund.me/8b566d8b