PHIL GRAMLEY

Date of Birth

June 29, 1967

Date of Death

Philip Gramley, age 54, of Chicago, formerly of Kaneville, IL, passed away in the morning hours of Saturday, October 9, 2021. Though his passing was sudden, the memories he left for us to cherish will last for generations.

Philip Gramley, age 54, of Chicago, formerly of Kaneville, IL, passed away in the morning hours of Saturday, October 9, 2021. Though his passing was sudden, the memories he left for us to cherish will last for generations.

He was born June 29, 1967, in Aurora, IL, the son of Leon and Margaret (Myers) Gramley.

Phil grew up in Kaneville and attended local schools.  He graduated from Pinewood Academy in Eagle River, WI with the class of 1985. His grandparents lived near the school and owned an antique store in which Phil spent many hours, relishing the time he spent up and down the aisles. His love of the Northwoods was born in the quiet found on the countless trails he hiked and skied. 

Following graduation, Phil continued his education in Sitka, AK, with aspirations to be a forest ranger in search of a life of adventure. Apparently a life of adventure didn’t pay as well as Phil had thought, so after receiving an Associate’s degree from Sheldon Jackson College, Phil enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed as a small arms expert at Ft. Riley in Kansas until his honorable discharge. He returned to civilian life on the family farm in Kaneville in 1989. 

Phil met his future wife on a Metra train in Chicago when he came to the rescue of Christine Fitzpatrick. Christine was on her way home when another man began bothering her. Phil’s deep voice and strong presence made such an impression that not only did the other man leave, but sight and sound of Phil left a very different impression on Christine’s heart as well. At the conclusion of the ride, they went their separate ways, only to find that each had turned around in search of the other. The serendipity of the moment led them to begin their first date immediately. They were united in marriage on July 10, 2008 at Marina Cay in the British Virgin Islands. They began their new life together in Chicago with beautiful views of the city.

Phil’s first job after the military was at the Elburn Co-op. Later he began driving truck for Conway and FedEx before a long and storied tenure working for the city of Chicago.

Phil was member of the Teamster Union.

Phil was known to not let truth get in the way of a good story. Embellishments were added with a wink and a nod. The sparkle in his eye was a sure giveaway as the tales grew taller and taller. Growing up on the farm, Phil learned to drive many different types of trucks and machinery which may have led him to continue to drive trucks as a profession, which eventually won him a Million Mile Service Award for safe driving. His work ethic was second to none, much to the chagrin of other drivers who always fell short of bar he set for excellence. The pride in his work and the steel determination it took to “get the job done”  may have had roots in the family farm in which he dedicated countless hours doing chores and tending to the fields. Phil was proud to help pass on the farm legacy to his niece and nephews, ensuring that the future of the Gramley Family Farm remained bright. When he wasn’t behind the wheel, Phil enjoyed reading anything and everything. He ploughed through novel after novel, especially after he was able to read them online. He was proud of his small collection of antiques and was gun enthusiast. Key West was a favorite destination when it came to travel and the Jersey Shore welcomed both he and Christine with open arms. Other times Phil would just tell Christine to “get in the car” and they would drive aimlessly enjoying every mile in search of adventure. Of course, as the driver, Phil reveled in his “right” to listen to his favorite music like AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden and especially Rush. He loved to talk politics and was never shy about his views. He’d often introduce himself with a smile by saying, “Hi, my name is Philip and I am a liberal Democrat.” No matter what side of the aisle you were on, Phil loved with all his heart and was generous with his time and talent. He would jump at the chance to drop anything and everything, at any time of day, to help anyone in need. His legacy of love and memories will be cherished by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Christine; one brother Steve (Leanne) Gramley; his mother Margaret (Lynn) Gramley Schreiner; many nieces, nephews and a close family of friends that will all miss him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leon Gramley, his uncle Elmer Gramley  

Visitation will be Saturday November 6, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, 1-2 p.m. with a Remembrance Service to follow at 2 p.m. where Phil’s favorite music and stories will be shared. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Conley Outreach Community Services. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Saturday November 6, 2021, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, 1-2 p.m. with a Remembrance Service to follow at 2 p.m. where Phil’s favorite music and stories will be shared. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

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