Gael Garzon

Our beloved son, Gael, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love of his family and the comforting presence of his dogs. He was 21 years old. In his 21 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, creativity—and his unforgettable humor. Gael had a light, witty personality that made it hard for anyone to take even the most serious topics too seriously around him. He especially loved joking around with his siblings, who he connected with through laughter. Gael also had a passion for deep conversation. He thrived on political discussions and never shied away from a good debate. He enjoyed challenging ideas, learning from others, and stirring up passionate (but good-natured) arguments that usually ended in both reflection and laughter. Gael was a passionate life learner. His curiosity knew no bounds, and he spent endless hours diving into research on topics that sparked his interest. He had a profound love for reading and a particular passion for pharmaceuticals and natural medicine. He often engaged in deep, thoughtful conversations with pharmacists, doctors, and anyone who shared his fascination with healing and wellness. He looked forward to continuing his education in the fall to pursue a career in this field. In addition to his academic interests, Gael was a gifted social media and advertising specialist. He worked closely with up-and-coming artists in the Chicago area, helping them build their platforms and bring their creative visions to life. His talent for visual storytelling and his ability to translate ideas into striking imagery were truly inspirational. Gael was also known for his boundless enthusiasm for Halloween. Every year, he transformed his home into a captivating, spooky wonderland—drawing crowds, laughter, and joyful screams from his neighbors. These displays became a beloved family tradition, with every member recruited to help. They remain some of the most cherished memories his family holds dear. Though our family is shattered by his sudden loss, we are deeply grateful for the beautiful memories he gave us and comforted knowing that, in his final days, Gael was happy, content, and at peace. Over the past year, Gael became deeply committed to raising awareness about the dangers of easily accessible, harmful substances often found in neighborhood stores. Through extensive research and heartfelt conversations, he came to understand the lasting damage these substances can cause—especially to young people. Gael believed in the need for stronger regulations and dreamed of changing laws to protect others from their harmful effects. In honor of his passion and advocacy, we will be taking donations during the wake for the Alano Club of Joliet, in Crest Hill, IL—an organization that shares Gael’s vision of removing dangerous substances from our communities and protecting future generations. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you support this cause so close to Gael’s heart. Thank you for helping us carry forward his legacy of compassion, awareness, and change. Visitation will be held at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, May 30th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Dennis Church in Lockport IL, 1214 S Hamilton St at 10:30 AM.

Gael Garzon

September 12, 2003 - May 22, 2025