John "Jack" Gaido

John (Jack) M. Gaido, age 65, passed away at his home in Naperville, IL on July 22, 2024, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jack was born in Wilmington, DE on January 14, 1959 to John J. (Jr.) and Mary Kay (O'Dea) Gaido. Jack was the oldest of four children and while they moved often, his formative years were spent in Somerset, NJ where he attended Franklin High School, graduating in 1977. Jack was a class officer for three years, played the trumpet in the band all four years, and earned Varsity letters in football and track & field.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Ann (Schilling), whom he married at the Notre Dame Basilica on July 17, 1982 in Notre Dame, IN. He is also survived by his four children: Mary, Laura (Chris) Grimes, Mark (Hannah), and Peter along with three grandchildren: William, Benjamin, and Morgan Grimes. He was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Kay Gaido.
Jack earned a four-year Naval ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame. In addition to his ROTC trainings, Jack was a passionate musician and participated for four years in the Notre Dame Marching Band as trumpet player. Jack and Ann met in that band. He also played in several small ensembles and especially enjoyed playing in the Basilica. Jack was a proud member of Alumni Hall where he attended daily Mass and prayed at the Grotto frequently.
Upon graduation in 1981, he was commissioned into the Marine Corps and served as an Infantry Officer. Ann and Jack started their married life at Camp Pendleton in southern California. He was transferred to Concord Naval Weapons Station in northern California where he finished out his career achieving the rank of captain.
After separating from the Marines, Jack started a career in sales with National Starch and Chemical (later becoming Henkel) in New Jersey. He spent 35 years with the company in sales and management roles. After moving several times, the family settled in Naperville, IL in 1996.
Jack's family had the privilege to be founding members of a new parish near their home. Jack was very active at Holy Spirit Catholic Community as a Religious Education instructor, Alpha Retreat Leader, Minister of Care, and a long-time member of the Choir as both a vocalist and instrumentalist. Jack and Ann joined the St. Thomas the Apostle parish several years ago.
Jack was always dedicated to serving others. He will be remembered by all for his commitment to, support of, and involvement with his family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. He had a welcoming spirit and a genuine interest in helping others succeed and grow in their interests or jobs. Jack could draw from a wealth of knowledge to provide advice on fixing things and situations. He loved life and always tried to brighten the day of those around him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St. Naperville.
All are welcome to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 10:30AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church located at 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made in his name to charities that were important to Jack:
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - www.pancan.org
• Semper Fi & America's Fund - www.thefund.org
• Hesed House - www.hesedhouse.org