Gregory Gordon

Gregory Gordon, 72, long time resident of Naperville, Illinois passed away on February 13, 2023 surrounded by family.
Greg was born October 18, 1950, in Chicago. He was the first born of five children for Albert and Beverly Gordon. He enjoyed being a young kid zipping around Oak Park on his bike. The family moved out to Naperville in 1967.
After attending Morgan Park Academy and two years of college, he joined the Army during the Vietnam War. After training at Fort Sill and Fort Dix, he was a soldier of the 124th Maintenance Company, stationed in Stuttgart Germany. As a Wheel and Truck Vehicle Mechanic, he proved himself invaluable with time saving innovations. The Army noted on an efficiency report that his "dedication to duty is unmatched he initiated various programs for improvement in his field SP5 Gordon's leadership inspired many of the younger men in his Unit". He was appointed Acting Sergeant of his Unit.
Before the Army, at the age of 16, Greg ran the automotive department at the Zayre in Forest Park. Too young to drive, he built his own Whizzer style motorized bike. He replaced the bike with a red Sunbeam convertible. As manager of Naperville's Phillips 66 gas station he reorganized their operation. He then joined his father at Colonial Dodge on Western Avenue. In six months time, he became the #2 salesman.
When Greg returned to the States from the Army, he became instrumental in the founding of Alliance Steel in Franklin Park and Des Plaines with his uncle Norman Stelton. He was a pioneer in the process of polishing damaged steel coils with a new 3M product called Scotch-brite. He continued his over 45 year career in steel purchasing and sales at Oak Steel Supply, his own company Accurite, and LSI Steel.
When Greg was young, he enjoyed being with his grandparents in the northern woods of Minnesota. His Grandpa and Uncle Bob set up a camp powered by a generator from WW2 surplus. Greg owned several fishing boats in his life but even he would tell you that his fishing knowledge far exceeded his skills, or luck.
Later in life, Greg wanted to fulfill his desire to fly. He wasn't happy just getting his Sport Pilot license; he decided this new category of pilot's licenses would open the market to small aircraft sales. Greg started to buy, repair and sell airplanes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exasperated by 44 years of smoking ruled Greg's life by the end.
Greg was a friend that could be counted on at anytime of the day or night. Countless times he would scoop up some tools to go fix a friend's personal or mechanical emergency. He will be missed.
Greg will be buried with military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Services will be private.
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