Frank Martin Paris

Frank Martin Paris
November 27, 1938 – January 28, 2026

Frank Martin Paris of River Forest, Illinois, and Stuart, Florida, passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 87. A lifelong River Forest resident who later also called Stuart home, Frank was a devoted public servant, entrepreneur, mentor, athlete, adventurer, and-above all-a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who believed in trying everything life had to offer.

Frank served River Forest for more than twenty years, first as Village Trustee (1988–1992) and then as Village President (1992–2008). He ran on a vision of bringing the village into the 21st century and delivered through practical, community-focused leadership. Under Village President Paris' leadership, for the first time in more than a decade, River Forest was recognized as one of the top ten suburbs in the entire Chicago area, according to a Chicago Magazine survey evaluating property values, quality of life, quality of schools, and the beauty and charm of the community. Frank worked closely with the Village Board and the Board of Education to maximize resources, keep property taxes low, and continue providing an outstanding education for a growing student population. His work helped lower taxes by legalizing alcohol sales, preserved neighborhood character by developing the Priory into single-family homes rather than high-density condominiums while adding significant park land, and advanced the demolition of the long-abandoned Wieboldt's building, leading to the development of the River Forest Town Center. In addition to his elected service, Frank was deeply involved in civic leadership. He served as Chairman of the River Forest Traffic and Safety Commission, was a former and current director of the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the River Forest Service Club. Like his father, Frank Paris, he was honored in 2006 as Man of the Year by the Italian American Executives of Transportation (IAET) for Italian Civic Pride.

Born and raised in River Forest, Frank graduated from St. Luke's School in 1953 and from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1957. A standout athlete, he became the first OPRF wrestler to advance to the Illinois State Tournament in Champaign and played football on both sides of the ball—nose guard on offense and lineman on defense. He continued wrestling and football at Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Business, graduating in 1962.

Frank left law school early to start Paris, O'Day, & Reed, a highly successful product-liability insurance firm. After selling the company, he co-founded Oak Brook Bank and became its president, then went on to buy and sell several businesses, including Taylor Chain Bolt Master, a chain-link manufacturing company. He sat on numerous civic and corporate boards and remained actively engaged in community life.

Frank was a longtime member of Oak Park Country Club and Sailfish Point in Stuart, Florida—communities where he built lasting friendships and spent many happy years.

An avid outdoorsman and traveler, Frank loved fishing, hunting, boating, new ventures, and time with friends. His life was filled with legendary "Frank stories," all rooted in fearlessness, loyalty, strength—both physical and mental—and, most of all, a willingness to step up when it mattered.

Frank was married to Gail Paris (née Leabhard), whom he called "the person I admire most in the world," since 1968. He took great pride in helping his children pursue their dreams and start their own businesses—F. Marty Paris Jr. (Lea), Arthur Paris (Cassandra Damm), Amy Paris (Mark Menacho), and Elizabeth (Beth) Cohen (TJ)—all successful entrepreneurs. He was known for investing in others' ideas, offering thoughtful business advice, and encouraging friends, neighbors, and family friends to follow their ambitions.

Frank was a devoted and deeply proud grandfather to F. Martin Paris III, Conor, Maeve, Jack, Quinn, Grace, and Hugh Paris (Marty); Severin, Zelda, and Huxley Paris (Arthur); Luke and Cruz Menacho (Amy); and Benjamin, Catherine, and Olivia Cohen (Beth). He also cherished his many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rosalie Paris (née Lezza). He is survived by his loving sister, Jeanine Schutz (John); his beloved Uncle Tony Paris; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Joyce Stockholm; Jack and Nancy Strand; and Jane and Don Stahlhut.

Frank will be remembered for his kindness, bravery, generosity, love of family, and belief that life is meant to be lived fully and fearlessly. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Salerno Galewood Chapels, 1857 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago. Funeral mass will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Church in River Forest. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to St. Luke School (https://slsrf.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/249371/Default.aspx) and The Imagine Foundation (https://imaginefoundation-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/0e48e1ef-2ae8-480d-abe5-7b839a599f3e).