Allan Joseph DeGrandis

Allan J. DeGrandis, known affectionately as Al to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Naperville, Illinois. Born on June 23, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, Al was a man of intelligence, generosity, and kindness.

Al was a devoted husband to Helene DeGrandis, and together for 51 years, they built a life grounded in love, joy, and partnership. He was a dedicated father to his daughters, Jessica (Mark) Zauner and Amanda (Chris) Nelson. He took great pride in being a grandfather to Brittany (Joey) DeGrandis and Eloise Nelson, and a greatgrandfather to Kody Allan, surrounding them with unwavering affection, quiet wisdom, and a love that will continue to guide them.

The son of Albert and Violette DeGrandis, Al grew up surrounded by a loving family. His siblings, Valerie (Guy) Michetti, William and Dianne DeGrandis, and Ilona (Vinny) Bevilacqua, shared many fond memories of their oldest brother. Al was also a fond uncle to Alexis Sottile, Nicholas (Beccah) and Marlena Bevilacqua, and Tarra, Victoria, and Brandon Okrasewski, all of whom will miss his guidance and humor.

Al earned his Master of Business Administration from Wagner College, a milestone that laid the foundation for his successful career as an IT strategist. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al was deeply devoted to his loved ones and admired for his meticulous planning, precise record-keeping, and remarkable ability to complete jigsaw puzzles in record time.

An avid golfer, Al could often be found on the green, perfecting his swing. His beautifully manicured lawn and abundant vegetable garden were a testament to his dedication and love for the outdoors. Al's days were often spent at the local VFW or sharing a stool and a story at his favorite after-work watering hole, Orazios. His ability to captivate an audience with his tales was

legendary.

Al's love for his family was evident in the traditions he cherished, such as the yearly trips to New York City to celebrate Christmas on Staten Island and the 4th of July in Travis. He was a father figure in the truest sense – provider, protector, and advice giver. His passion for classic rock, the excitement of live concerts or simply blasting the pretenders on the back deck were a significant part of who he was, as was his unwavering loyalty to those he held dear.

To know Al was to know a man who embraced life fully, gave generously of himself, and loved with his whole heart. He found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures-light beer, golf, salami, cheese and crackers-and he never missed an opportunity to share a happy hour with friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Allan will be profoundly missed, but the memories he leaves behind will continue to inspire and bring comfort to all who were touched by his remarkable spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Naperville VFW Post # 3873, located at 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville, Illinois, 60540.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics Illinois-an organization close

to Allan's heart and one he proudly supported (Special Olympics IL – Region C, 1724 S. Finley

Road, Lombard, IL 60148).