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Knollcrest Funeral Home

1500 South Meyers Road

Lombard, Illinois

Brian McGarry Obituary

McGarry, Brian John age 55, of Lombard, IL, passed away surrounded by his loving family. He fought the good fight against liver disease with faith, courage and humor. Cherished husband of 29 years and very best friend of Susan (nee Piorkowski) McGarry. Loving and awesome father of Matt, Chris and Kevin McGarry. Devoted son of Earl (the late Lucille nee Younger) McGarry. Adored brother of Barb (Ken) Aldson. Dear son-in-law of Stanley (the late Margaret) Piorkowski. Fond brother-in-law of Mary Kelly, Brian (Lynn) Piorkowski and Michael (Roberta) Piorkowski. Loving uncle of Tracy, Dan (Lauren), Kristyn and Austin Kelly, Katy (Tommy) Insley and baby, Kathy, Jenny, Jimmy and Melissa Piorkowski and Jessica (Brandon) Pechette. Caring nephew of Lester Misch, Ron Misch and Harold Mulcahy, godfather, cousin and special friend to many. Brian was a member of Local 399 International Union of Operating Engineers for 33 years. He loved his job and work family at Tishman-Speyer Properties where he was a stationary engineer for 23 years. Brian was blessed with a wonderful gift of life, having received a liver transplant 10 years ago. He was forever thankful to his donor, donor family and Dr. Jenson and dedicated medical staff for giving him the opportunity to share these years with his family and friends. Rest in God's Hands, dear Brian, knowing that you will be forever remembered and forever loved. Friends will be received at the Knollcrest Funeral Home 1500 S. Meyers Road (3 blks. S. of Roosevelt Road) Lombard on Friday December 4, 2009 from 3pm until 9pm. Funeral Saturday 9:15am from the funeral home to Christ the King Church in Lombard for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Thumbuddy Special P.O. Box 145, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or Gift of Hope 660 N. Industrial Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Information at 630-932-1500.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian McGarry

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Marilyn Lietz

January 18, 2010

Brian was a wonderful person that will be missed not only by his family and those who loved him but by all who ever had the privilege of knowing him. I will always remember Brian from Grace School, Grace Church and the old neighborhood. Brian you will be missed.

Amy Metzler

December 25, 2009

Suzie, boys, Auntie Barb and Uncle Mac, My heart goes out to you guys, which I consider a second family. I will always remember Brian and how he lived life to the fullest. Please know your family in KY prays for you and trust that Brian and Auntie Lou are watching over us all. Love Amy, Trevor and Gage

December 16, 2009

Rest in peace Brian. Your sense of humor and upbeat "never give up attitude" kept my spirits up as I recovered from cancer 6 years ago. I looked forward to seeing your smiling face as you strolled through our office space to ask "how ya doing hun?" Though I only you through the 222 building you were someone I and everyone considered a friend. Brian, you are a beautiful soul and though you will be missed here on earth, heaven is richer for your presence.

Laura DeVisme

December 7, 2009

Susan, Matt, Kevin and Chris, I can't even put into words what a wonderful friend Brian has been to me through the years at Hinshaw & Culbertson. He has always gone above and beyond when it came to helping someone and asking nothing in return. He could always put a smile on my face and make me laugh in the lowest times of my life. He will be in my heart forever as a friend that will always be loved and never forgotten. My prayers are with your family and God Bless this awesome man who was truly a friend to everyone. He has been a great friend to me for 19 years. God Bless your family for a truly unique and blessed man.

Jim Krohse

December 5, 2009

I will always remember Brian because of his sense of humor and hi love of family and friends. Give your mom and my parents a kiss for me.

December 4, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Sue and the boys. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Brian working at the LaSalle Street building. Brian helped me out several times and refused anything in return, just friendship. I don't know that I ever heard him complain about anything, even after he listened to many of us complain about most anything. Brian was a truly unique person and I feel I am a better person for having known him.

Cindy (Eustis, Florida)

December 4, 2009

Brian selflessly did so so much for so so many but would never ever ask for the smallest of favors from anyone! He was remarkable. Brian was the best man at my wedding and said "Don't worry Ger. I won't let you down," But really he was everyones Best Man.

Big wheels roll through fields
Where sunlight streams
Meet me in a land of hope and dreams

Vonnie Lorber

December 4, 2009

Condolences to Susan, Matt, Chris, Kevin, Barbie and everyone else in Brian's family and among his friends. I knew Brian at the Tishman Speyer building where my employer has offices. Brian was an amazing person -- so knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. He always went the extra mile. He always smiled and said hello. He was the type of person who makes people feel glad to be alive. What a loss. I am sorry for his suffering. I miss him greatly.

December 3, 2009

My heavy heart goes out to Brian's Family. I knew Brian from Hinshaw, 222, his building. Brian was such a joy at work, his football pools, stopping to chat about his family, how proud he was of his boys and wife, truly proud he was of all of you. Always upbeat and vivacious. He will be missed by all who ever met him. Unforgettable!

Sincerely,

Pam

December 3, 2009

Dear Sue & Family,
Just a note to say how sorry we are to hear of Brian's passing. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Paulette & Bernie

December 3, 2009

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Brian fought a good fight but he is now in the Lord's loving arms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have keep him alive in your heart now and forever.

With a very heavy heart

The Flores

Maureen Gilhooly

December 3, 2009

Brian was fantastic guy, easy to laugh. I only knew him a short time through Lonnie & Gerry but absolutely loved him. My concolences to Sue & the family......

Sincerely, Maureen Gilhooly

December 3, 2009

Sue, Matt, Chris and Kevin
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Brian was such a wonderful, kind person with a very generous heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Love,
Jan Warren

Colleen-Dave (Tyk) Rafa

December 3, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.May your memories bring you comfort.

Frankie

December 3, 2009

I was truly saddened to hear of Brian's passing. It's just not the same here at work without him and his absence here in the halls at 222 La Salle can surely be felt. My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of a great man.

Larry Kreeger

December 3, 2009

Sue and Boys, We are sorry to hear of Brian's death, but know he is in God,s loving arms, rejoicing with Ida, and others who have gone before us. The bond we have shared over the years will remain forever. We love you. Larry, Deb, and Girls

Barbara Bartolotte

December 3, 2009

As I type this message tears are in my eyes as think what an amazing person Brian was and how very very sad it is that he is no longer with us. What a great guy and wonderful neighbor!!! He will be missed by so very many people!! RIP
Love,
The Bartolotte's

December 3, 2009

Brian built a beautiful family to help us remember him by. The world is such a better place for having had him shine his light in it!

Love and prayers, Pat Luedtke

December 3, 2009

Sue and family, you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. Brian was such a great guy, I will miss the big wave and smile I always received when we saw each other out in the yard. Brian was always the first to offer help or a kind word if needed. I know you have lots of support but if you need anything I am just across the street. Heaven has a very special angel.

Nancy and Sara Magnuson

Carol Minkel

December 3, 2009

I was very saddened to read about Brian's death. I knew Brian for about 15 years when I worked at 222 N. LaSalle. He was always upbeat and ready to go the extra mile. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. RIP

December 3, 2009

To our family and friends. Our lives will never be the same without you my precious brother. You touched so many lives while you were with us. We will all remember your smile,compassion ,love for others and your wonderful sense of humor. I would like to thank everyone who supported and prayed for our family during this journey we were on. I will miss you my angel baby.

Love Barbie

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Knollcrest Funeral Home

1500 South Meyers Road, Lombard, IL 60148

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