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In memory of
Alwanda Jackson
August 28, 2025
Belated condolences to all of his family, friends, associates, loved ones. Gary was very kind carpool buddy during the summer of 1988 when I was working as a young adult at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL. Taught me a few things about how to speak German, that was so fun. Time and distance has brought him back to my memory. Now I know. I was very fortunate to have gotten to know him for that short while.
Adriana Pequeno
February 15, 2016
Gary's always cheerful attitude and persona will be missed here at HDMS. My sincere condolences to Gary's wife, son, family and friends he lives forever in your hearts.
Michelle Zunnurain
February 15, 2016
Husband, Father, Son. All that Gary was will be missed by all. I wish you all Peace.
From HDMS
Rita Bednyak
February 15, 2016
I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and your family. I had a pleasure working with Gary at HDMS for more than 7 years. His infectious smile and friendly attitude to everybody will always be in my heart. He is gone too soon.
Jolyn Crawford
February 14, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Gary when he sold his house in Oak Park with the beautiful garden....he was a warm and gentleman.
Cathy Green Mori
February 13, 2016
My sincerest sympathies to the family. Gary and I were classmates at Rosary College. Although Gary was older than the rest of us, his outgoing personality soon made friends of everyone. A group of us had a plan to eat our way through the alphabet at ethnic restaurants. Unfortunately, we lost touch and never finished our quest. The next time I eat at a German restaurant (since we met in German class), I will raise a glass in Gary's memory.
Rosemarie Kennedy
February 13, 2016
My prayers go out to Gary's family. Tania and Roma my deepest condolences. We always felt part of your family. Gary will be missed. My children knew Gary there whole lives and will miss him dearly. Gary you were the best travel expert. Helping me learn how to use my camera in Europe. Traveling in Europe with your sister Sue,and your parents was the best time. My family and I will miss you. Gary was a special person. God bless you and your family.
Bonnie Gillespie
February 13, 2016
What a privilege it has been to work with Gary at HDMS over the past several years. We shared thoughts on everything from music to travel. Gone too soon. Truly missed.
Linda Van Horn
February 12, 2016
Tania
My heart goes out to you and your family at this tragic time of loss. May God bless you with His comfort and strength in the days and months ahead.
Kelly Chau
February 12, 2016
Gary, I will always remember your smile and how you pop into my cube and said "it's all your fault". I still can't believe I won't see you anymore when I return to work in April. You will be missed!!
Patricia Meleedy-Rey
February 12, 2016
So sorry to hear this news about Gary. He was a great co-worker, kind and patient and funny. He made my time at HDMS memorable. He demonstrated his love of his family every day. I know they will miss him dearly. My condolences to his wife, son (who he adored and was so proud of) and sister. Gary, peace my friend.
Liz Gonzalez
February 12, 2016
Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts from afar.

Wonderful Florida visited by Gary many many times
Liz Gonzalez
February 12, 2016
Pat Cogley-Anhalt
February 11, 2016
Gary, you will be missed. Always a smile, and the love you had for your family was a truly beautiful thing.
Michael Havert
February 11, 2016
My cousin Gary is now in Heaven, together with his Dad Fritz, Aunt Cleo & Uncle Al, cousin Jimmy and his Grandparents. WE will miss him so very much, but Gary would say don't be sad, I'm in Heaven and its Great; No Cold, No Snow, No Rain & No Work. And I'll be watching all of you from above and helping to keep you all Safe, Happy and Healthy. With Great memories and Love, Mike, Evie, Cary ,Sherri, David & Mikie
Kelly Gauger
February 11, 2016
I worked with Gary over 5 years ago in IL. After I moved to IA, he would still reach out to me on FB to see how life was treating my family and let me know how his family was. I will miss him. Sending prayers for comfort to his family.

Edelweiss German Restaurant
Denise Perez-Cabrera
February 11, 2016
Tania and Roma, my heart is with you. The good Lord has you in the palm of his hand. I'll always remember Gary for his willingness to share pico de gallo salsa dip, recipes, his humor and that 'man of the world' knowledge. Jazzin' at the Shedd, and our last dinner at Edelweiss German-American Restaurant with Tania,Gary, Marion and Jim. It was my turn to cook for you (pozole). I promise to prepare that meal in honor.
Besos y Bendiciones,
Proverbs 3:6
Allison Ross
February 10, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of a truly great man. I met Gary while I was working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois beginning with a small, festive group called "the Rolex Club." He was always cheerful and thoughtful. I remember his "Hello," "It was your fault," and "Smile" comments to make everyone smile. He was always up for a practical joke to celebrate someone's birthday or promotion. I enjoyed having the opportunity to have him as a valued member of my team in Underwriting Systems and Contract Pricessing. I will miss his email birthday cards that he sent and reminded me that it was also his sister's birthday. Gary was like a big brother to me and so many other people. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.
Rebecca Chien
February 10, 2016
I am so honored to have known and worked with Gary. He was kind, caring and generous with his time. I will miss hearing him say "smile!" around the office and miss trading recipes with him. He brought joy to the little corner of our office. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Marion Myers
February 10, 2016
Our condolences go to Tania and Roma for their loss of Gary. We loved summer evenings with Gary at Jazzin' at the Shedd and a reunion dinner with Gary and Tania, Denise and John. Gary's love for Tania was always in the conversation. Our hearts go out to his family.
Valencia Harris
February 10, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to Tania and Roma. I will miss him saying "smile" as he'd walk around the office. I'll also miss seeing him in the kitchen pouring a huge mug of coffee for himself to jump start his day. Rest in peace my friend! --Valencia
Debbie Ray
February 10, 2016
Gary touched my heart when I met him 7 years ago during our HDMS implementation. We worked closely on a very difficult process. He always made me laugh. He always asked about my family and remembered everything I ever told him about my daughter. He was a very caring and witty guy. I always enjoyed my opportunities to get to see him in person. I will miss those meetings. My heart breaks for you and my prayers are with you in you time of coping and healing.
Felicia Taylor
February 10, 2016
Gary will be missed. Every year he would tell me to register to get a calendar from the radio stations "The Drive" which is 97.1.
I will miss him walking around the office saying "its all your fault" that was his normal way of saying hello.
Gone to soon....
Wendy Shanahan-Richards
February 10, 2016
I had the privilege to work with Gary at HDMS for the last 2+ years. Each morning, as I walked down the hall to my office, I looked forward to Gary's upbeat and hearty "Hello Wendy!". Whether we were discussing the weather, canines, or being veteran Chicagoans, Gary would always infuse our chats with his great sense of humor. He was a very kind man.
I send my deepest condolences to Gary's family. May God bless you and help you find comfort in your time of loss.

Jody Robertson
February 10, 2016
I am so sorry to have lost my good friend, Gary. He has been my lunch and walking buddy for the many years we worked together. Sometimes you remember how you became friends with someone, but it's like Gary and I were just good pals from the day we met.
I appreciated his wisdom and advice and always enjoyed his sense of humor. Tania and Roma, I send my deepest condolences. I am sorry that I won't be able to make the services this weekend as I am currently thousands of miles away. I know that Gary loved the beach and I am currently in Hawaii seeing sites with my mother suggested by Gary. He has given me a lot of great travel tips over the years, many places I would not have visited or seen without his recommendation.
Thank you for everything, Gary. I will miss you for a long time to come.
Tony Chin
February 10, 2016
My thoughts are prayers go out to Gary's family and friends. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. I miss him, his booming laughs and genuine smiles.
Sheila Kennedy
February 10, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tania and Roma. I am deeply saddened by the unexpected and sudden passing of Gary. He was truly the real deal, a genuinely kind person. Gary made sure he was one of the first colleagues I met when I began working with him 7 years ago. Over the years we became friends. He was always ready with a quick smile, a twinkle in his eyes and a joke or two. I will truly miss him!
Michelle Komar
February 10, 2016
My heart is breaking at the loss of my dear friend, Gary, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Tania, Roma, and all of his family and friends.
Gary and I became co-workers at Blue Cross in the early 80's and I have considered him one of my dearest friends since that time (more than 30 years!).
Gary - I already miss you terribly, but you will remain in my heart forever. Rest in peace.
Tom Shannon
February 9, 2016
I was so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I worked with him for almost 9 years, and we became friends both inside and outside of work. He was great at connecting with colleagues beyond mere professional relationships. His kindness, generosity and wisdom will be missed. He is gone too soon. It's hard to believe he won't be coming up to Muskegon anymore for walks on the beach with his family, my family, and Banjo. We miss you Gary! My thoughts and prayers will be with Tania and Roma.
Legacy Remembers
Posted an obituary
February 9, 2016
Gary Grott Obituary
Funeral Mass Saturday, February 13, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Athanasius Church, 1615 Lincoln Street, Evanston, IL 60201.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105... Read Gary Grott's Obituary
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