Guy Gattone

With great sorrow we inform you of the death of Guy Gattone, age 84, of Oak Forest, Illinois. Guy passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on April 4, 2023.

Guy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn (LaMantia); his devoted children: Tim Gattone, Lorri (Shawn) Thrower, Michael (Wendy) Gattone, and Nicole (Christian) Castagna; adoring grandchildren: Samantha Thrower (Justin Pagan), Alexandra (Garic) Tinsley, Rachel (Daniel) Stelmach, Jacob Skrobin, Juliana Castagna, Maxwell Thrower, Miranda Gattone, Mikayla Gattone, Lauryn Castagna (Benjamin Brandt), Emily Gattone, Natalie Castagna, and Nicholas Castagna; beloved brothers, Frank (Regina) Gattone and Br. Charles Gattone; lifelong friend, Sam Cumbo; and so many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Charles and Elizabeth Gattone, and siblings, Joseph Gattone and Grace (Gattone) McShane.

Guy was born on October 10, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Italian immigrant parents Charles and Elizabeth (Ripoli) Gattone. After moving from Taylor Street to Mount Greenwood, Guy began working at age 14, driving for a grocer earning money to help build a garage for his parents' home. He attended St. Christina School and was the prom king at St. Willibrord High School. He met his lovely wife while they were both working at Jewel Food Store in Mount Greenwood. Marilyn and Guy married in 1960 and moved to a young Oak Forest in 1967.

Guy helped establish and build the Oak Forest community. He served St. Damian Church as an usher and bingo caller for decades, and he was a lifelong member and former officer of the St. Damian Men's Club. He umpired and coached Oak Forest Little League baseball and refereed flag football over a period of 12 years, and he was always his children's and grandchildren's biggest fan.

Guy worked in insurance for much of his career at Burdyke Insurance Agency, Woodman Accident & Life, and the South Holland Savings & Loan. He then served at the Cook County Board of Review, assisting Cook County residents with tax appeals until he retired at the age of 77. He also served the city of Oak Forest for 36 years, including many years on the Cable Commission, 24 years as a park district commissioner and 12 years as the city's tax advocate.

Guy taught us - by example - the importance of hard work, having fun, service, forgiveness, generosity, and God's love. Guy also shared his love for the Chicago Cubs and was so proud when his oldest grandchild landed a job at Wrigley Field. His family has so many great memories of going to and watching games with him. 2016 was one of his favorite years.

Inspired by his father and oldest brother, Guy was a self-taught, playing-by-ear musician who instilled a love of music in his children and grandchildren, even purchasing pianos and lessons for them when he could. He enjoyed golfing for many years with a regular crew of family and friends. He could tell a joke like no one else, and memories of his quick wit will leave us smiling for years to come. He was the (self-proclaimed) reigning ping pong champion of Oak Forest, and many have fond memories of swimming in his backyard pool, playing wiffle ball on his driveway, dancing to his jukebox, or joining in card games in his basement. He was simply the best Guy, and he will be dearly missed.

Visitation 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at McKenzie Funeral Home, 15618 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL. Funeral service 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at St. Damian Church, 5300 W. 155th St., Oak Forest, IL. Interment St. Mary's, 87th St. & Hamlin Ave., Evergreen Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Damian Church Food Pantry (www.StDamianChurch.org) or to Cubs Charities (www.MLB.com/Cubs/Community/Cubs-Charities/Donate).