John Robert Gaglione
John Robert Gaglione passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 25, just six months after the passing of his beloved wife, Arlene “Jo” Gaglione.
A longtime resident of Aurora, Illinois, John (70) was raised in Chicago and Warrenville as part of the extensive blended family of Michael Bartholomeo and Leona Ann Gaglione. Growing up near the old Comiskey Park, he attended White Sox games and enjoyed Italian ice. He was a JROTC Cadet at Marmion Military Academy in Aurora (Class of 1971), where he played percussion with dedication and studied Latin—though with less enthusiasm. After high school, he attended the College of DuPage and the University of Wisconsin.
John met Jo Ory as a teenager at a Scouting fundraiser, where he literally knocked her off her feet by accident while sweeping the floor. Their first date was a concert, and in later dates, John loved to tease Jo by ordering the exact same meal as her. The two were married at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 2, 2024.
They initially settled in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where they welcomed daughters Gwen and Kathryn. After moving back to Illinois, their son Michael was born.
John retired from the insurance industry but continued his career at the Kane County Clerk’s Office, where he supported the elections department and helped revamp the election judge training manual. Alongside his co-workers, he created educational presentations to inform and engage Kane County voters. From 2010 to 2013, John also served as Chairman of the Aurora Township Republican Central Committee.
A dedicated member of the Fox Valley Ward congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he taught adult Sunday school for many years. His passion for music extended throughout his life; he played classical percussion, drummed in rock bands, and even jammed with Muddy Waters. He sang with the Fox Valley Orchestra Chorus and served on its board for many years.
John loved the outdoors, especially fishing, where he was known for landing the biggest catches, and hunting, where he never missed a shot. One of his favorite activities was camping with his children and grandchildren, despite the rain that often accompanied these trips. He was also a committed mentor in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the distinguished Silver Beaver Award.
He is survived by his daughters Gwen (Andrew Moran) Gaglione and Kathryn (Neil) Hughes, son Michael Gaglione, grandsons Brenden (Shey) Hughes and Morgan Hughes, granddaughter Ashleigh Hughes, sister Juanita Welch, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL. The funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 100 Hankes Road, Sugar Grove, IL.