Gabriel Santiago delos Reyes Jr.

Gabriel Santiago delos Reyes Jr., age 82 of Elmwood Park. Beloved husband of the late Corazon delos Reyes, nee Valdez; loving father of Chona (William) Foellmer and Charina (Douglas) Michaud; devoted grandfather of Jackson and Piper Foellmer, and Samantha, Ryan, and Daniel Michaud; fond brother of Ernesto, Teresa, Evangeline, Ramon, and preceded in death by siblings, Corazon, Leticia, Zenaida, and Antonio; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Gabe was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. He was a devoted son to his hardworking parents, and brother to eight siblings. He attended Mapa High School, where he met and fell in love with Corazon Valdez, his life partner with whom he would eventually have two daughters. After high school he studied chemical engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology. As a young adult, he made the difficult decision to leave his family and the comfort and familiarity of his home country to emigrate to the United States.
With the help of kind strangers who quickly became close friends, he was able to find a job in Chicago, rent an apartment, and send for his wife and daughters to join him. He would eventually work in research and development as a chemical engineer at Brach's Candy. During his almost thirty-year tenure there, he met many colleagues who would become lifelong friends.
Gabe enjoyed many hobbies, including tennis, fishing, and photography, and was an exceptional chess player. He was reliably handy and never hesitated to lend a hand to friends and family in need. He had a passion for a wide range of genres of music, and it was a source of both entertainment and solace for him his entire life. He was known by his family and friends for his sense of humor and unceasing optimism.
Gabe always held a special place in his heart for his native Philippines and, with his wife and family, visited as often as he could. He was also proud of the beautiful life he built in America and was happiest surrounded by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Typhoon Tino Relief at https://redcross.org.ph
Visitation Sunday, November 16, 3-8 PM at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd. (3 Blks S. of Roosevelt) Lombard. Funeral Monday, 10 AM at the funeral home. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral info: (630) 932-1500 or www.knollcrest.net.