Gary Paris

Date of Birth

Mar 14,1957

Date of Death

Apr 04,2017

Gary R. Paris, age 60, of Maple Park, IL, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
He was born March 14, 1957, in Aurora, to proud parents, Robert Sr. and Merna (Johnson) Paris.
Gary grew up in Batavia which is where he met his future wife, he just didn’t know it yet. He continued on to Batavia High School where he was a proud member of the football team, but focused mainly in the area of mechanics, taking many classes at the Fox Valley Career Center at Kaneland High School. Gary graduated in 1975 with a diploma and “fabulous hair”.
Throughout his high school years, Gary put his knowledge to work, taking jobs at various service stations in Batavia. That trend continued while he continued his education at Waubonsee Community College. His love of mechanics may have stemmed from his father, but one thing that never got passed down from Robert Sr., was his tools. Gary eventually became ASE Certified in many areas of his expertise, was the proud owner of his own tools and eventually worked with Jeff Jones at the Citgo in Batavia. After that service station “became no more”, Gary began what would be an almost thirty year career for the City of Geneva.
Although Gary knew Holly Holtz in elementary school, she didn’t become a fixture in his life until after graduation when Holly moved in with Gary’s sister, Patti. They were eventually united in marriage on August 27, 1982. They would be blessed with two children, Tim and Jennifer. They began their new life together in St. Charles but made stops in Batavia and Elgin. Gary and Holly went their separate ways in 2006 so Gary moved to Elburn for a time before settling in Maple Park.
Gary was an avid member of a local Hadley R.C. Club for over twelve years and happily dedicated untold hours and weekends racing towards the checkered flag. He most recently became a member of the St. Charles Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #1368.
When he wasn’t at the R.C. track, Gary loved to watch the miles fly by on the back of his bright orange Honda Goldwing. Gary was a friend to many and generous to all. He constantly bragged on his grandchildren and was always an easy sell when it came to going out to dinner. In fact there was a designated night for many people with whom he’d dine (but Heaven forbid you changed your allotted day and time, messing up his meticulous dinner schedule!)
He now leaves his father, Robert Paris Sr.; two children: Jennifer Paris and Tim (Kristen) Paris and their children: Courtney and Caitlin; three siblings: Patricia (George) Schipma, Paul (Tracy) Paris and Robert Jr. (Jeannie) Paris; several nieces, nephews, cousins and family of friends.
He now joins his mother, Merna Paris and both his maternal and paternal grandparents who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, April 9th, with a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gary’s name to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674. Tributes may also be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can see his full life story.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, April 9th, with a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., Sunday.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.

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