Gary Arthur Smiley

Gary Arthur Smiley, 74, of Lincolnwood, IL, died at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Born in Chicago, IL, of Morris Y. Smiley and Anne C. Smiley. He was the last of his generation, the youngest of four brothers and predeceased by Lawrence, Alan, and Robert. The Smiley brothers embodied brotherly love. Not that they loved all the time, but rather they fought, argued, and complained sometimes (maybe more than sometimes), but ultimately found solace, respect, and love in one another.
Gary left behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, first cousins, first cousins once removed, second cousins, and whatever comes next. Regardless of the genealogical distance, he loved and thought about his family daily. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't brag about a relative's success and how they were related to him.
Gary leaves behind many friends. He was very proud of his time at Lincoln Jr. High and at Niles West High School. He cherished his time with his friends, whether it was a Sunday get together or a Tuesday night dinner.
After High School, Gary went on to receive his B.A. from University of Illinois – Chicago, and his J.D. from John Marshall Law School. Gary was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1978. Gary was zealous in advocating for his clients. Gary once told a legal organization that, "The key to my success is "patience." Gary was likely the only person to ever describe himself as patient.
Gary leaves behind two sons, Austin (wife Jennifer) and Brett (wife Ashley). He loved his sons more than anything. Well, it was more than anything, but then his grandchildren were born. A.J. and Parker (Austin and Jennifer), and Sutton (Brett and Ashley) were the apple of his eye. Good luck getting through a conversation without him talking about his grandkids or him showing off a picture.
Celebration of Life, Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. with Remembrances at 5:30 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to continue the celebration at The Village Inn, 8050 Lincoln Ave., Skokie (across the street from the funeral home).
Gary loved watching his grandkids grow and play baseball, a sport he loved and excelled at. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BBAA Youth Sports (Jr. Bison Baseball), P. O. Box 873, Bensenville, IL 60106 (Memo: GAS) or through PayPal @JrBisonBaseball. All donations are tax deductible and go towards supporting local youth baseball.
Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message.