Guy Barile

1934 - 2025

Guy Barile

Apr 21, 1934 - Nov 29, 2025

Guy Barile, formerly of Toledo, passed away peacefully on November 29th in Chicago, his home for 63 years.

Guy was born on April 21,1934 the cherished son of Guy and Rose (Reynolds) Barile.

As a very young man, after completing his service in the United States Army, he moved to Chicago and attended the Goodman Drama School (later called DePaul University). He belonged to the Equity, SAG/AFTRA unions, and was a professional actor for over 60 years. He was active in the world of industrials, performing all over the United States with clients like McDonald's for over 12 years.

He was a gifted actor, director and singer. He performed in over 250 shows and in 2019 was awarded the Actor/Equity Proclamation for his part in establishing the Joseph Jefferson Award to honor excellence in theater in Chicago.

Some of his credits include directing the world premiere of the musical "Grease" that ran at Kingston Mines Theatre in 1971. His onstage credits include roles at most of the major theatres in Chicago. Among them St. Nicholas Theatre (world premiere of David Mamut's "The Water Engine", Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park "Woman of the Year" with Elke Sommer) and many, many shows at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse; (Buddy in "Follies" "The Apple Tree", "Come Blow Your Horn" and "MacBird"). One of guy's most beloved stage performances was that in which he played Felix Unger opposite Hugh O'Brien as Oscar in "The Odd Couple". He was so funny he brought the house down with laughter.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Barile, and nephew Kevin O'Connor. Guy is survived by his former lovely wife, Ruth Kussel; loving daughter, Melissa (Len) Vannelli; grandchildren, Katie, Laura, Adam and Ian; and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Jim O'Connor; his nieces; Jackie (Len) Kaufmann, Michelle (Phil) Anstett, Rose (Allan) Hite, Laura (Dave) Pegorch and nephew, Sean (Megan) O'Connor; 3 great nieces, 4 great nephews, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ronna and Allan Kaplan, of Chicago, for never failing in their loving care and unwavering friendship to Guy. How wonderful to have friends like them! We are also eternally grateful to Connie Foster and Jackie Kaufmann for visiting Guy on a regular basis and showing their love for him.

Guy had many wonderful friends and colleagues in Chicago who have remembered him kindly and that is very much appreciated.

Finally, we will always be indebted to fellow resident/friend at Peterson Park, Greg Borg, for being his "guardian angel" and watching over him every day during his illness.

Guy will be missed by all who knew him, especially his sister, Patti, who spoke with him every day and will miss him "every minute of my life."

God speed Guy, rest in eternal peace!

Arrangements are in progress for a funeral mass for Guy which will be held in the spring.