Jerome Francis “Jerry” Enright, an Elmhurst resident, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida surrounded by his family. He was 54. Anyone who met Jerry would quickly come to realize they were in for an adventure. He was a larger than life presence and would greet a friend the same as a stranger, with energy and enthusiasm as if he had known you for years. Jerry was born during a Chicago snowstorm in 1965. He grew up in Oak Park, IL in a neighborhood filled with characters and nicknames. As one of seven siblings, there was no shortage of battles and stories at 174 N. Elmwood Avenue. He attended Oak Park River Forest High School where he excelled in the pool and developed his lifelong love of the water. He continued to swim throughout his life. He attended Western Illinois University and was a proud Leatherneck from “the Harvard of the Midwest”. After graduation, he lived in Chicago and honed his comedy skills, taking classes at Second City alongside several future SNL cast members. It was in Chicago that he got started on another lifelong passion, the safety business. He sold safety supplies for many years and opened Vision Safety where “safety never takes a vacation”. His most recent work was for JW Watts where he was affectionately known as the Mayor of Terminal 5 where he could often be found holding court for the crew at O’Hare airport. Jerry was a committed family man with a deep love of the extended Enright family. He was the consummate holiday host for the large Enright family, where was famous for his smoked brisket. He was a proud father to his three precious boys and loved to support them on the field, the stage, and the classroom. As a lover of sports, Jerry could often be found at his sons many sporting events. For several years, he was the Voice of the Knights, announcing his son’s football games while also keeping the fans entertained with his “faces in the crowd” segment. He was a loyal White Sox fan who suffered until 2005, when he attended the World Series to watch his Sox in a memorable Game 1 victory. Jerry lived in Elmhurst for more than 20 years and was a fixture at every neighborhood block party, Friday night happy hour, and his “midnight realtor” business. He held an annual Chili Cook-off, where he would end the event announcing the winners from atop the bar while keeping the group entertained with an impromptu comedy routine. As a long-time member of the Divine Infant Golf League, he was an occasional challenger for the league title, but more focused on enjoying the camaraderie at the 19th hole. Jerry lived for his annual Long Island fishing trips, where he regularly was the last to catch a fish and graciously treated his partners to dinner afterwards. He competed in the US Masters swimming events earning himself a trip to San Diego and a 10th place national finish in his event. Jerry was generous to a fault, he would do anything for a friend, had a heart of gold, and loved to laugh. Jerry was the devoted father of Jack, Liam and Ryan; loving brother of Charlie (Betty) Enright, Mike Enright, Joe Enright, Bill (Jeanne) Enright, Mary (Ray) Cronin, and Patrick (Kris) Enright; cherished son of Margaret “Peg”, nee Mahoney and the late William Enright; loving uncle of Rebecca, Chris, Genevieve, Cathy, Mikey, Jackie, Julie, Shawn, Grace, Joe, Luc, Shane, MeMe, Tommy, Finn, and Isabella; dear nephew of Patricia Phelan; cousin of many; former spouse of Karen McNulty Enright. Visitation Monday, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral 9:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Enright Children Education Fund. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
Jerome Francis “Jerry” Enright
VISITATION
Monday
Mar
11
3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Gibbons Funeral Home
134 South York Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
VISITATION
Tuesday
Mar
12
8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
Gibbons Funeral Home
134 South York Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday
Mar
12
9:30 a.m. at
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
134 Arthur Street
Elmhurst, IL
INTERMENT
Tuesday
Mar
12
Following Mass
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
1400 South Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Enright Children Education Fund
c/o Lakeside Bank
165 S. York Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Comments (18)
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Paul
Jerry, you’ll be missed. It was always a pleasure seeing you around T5.
My deepest condolences to the Enright family on such a sudden loss.
Betty Stoub/Tom Tollick
Tom and I are so sad to hear about Jerry. I didn’t know him well but he was alway generous, giving us safety equipment and even having us for dinner. He was always fun and had a sparkle in his eye. He will be definetly missed. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
John Gustafson
There’s nothing better than laughter. You made a lot people smile. I bet you’re telling stories in heaven right now.
Cathy Ryan
My deepest sympathy for your family at this very sad time. I didn’t know Jerry, but he was my brother-in-laws best man and childhood friend to my husband. They all spoke very highly of him, and from what I read he was quite the character. I’m sure he will be greatly missed and rightly so. Remember all the wonderful stories and events that made him a part of your lives and you will always have that to hold dear.
Karen mazzocchi
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Karen Mazzocchi
Carolyn Cyckowski
Jerry will be well missed here in Naples. Where ever he was he lit up the room. George and I will never forget him. Our sincerest condolences to his wonderful mother and the rest of the most caring family I have had the pleasure to know.
William J Donovan
Bill and I are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. He was so young.
Kent Frankfother
I will always remember Jerry’s positive spirit and energy. Great times and Jerry went hand in hand. My sympathies and prayers are with his family now.
Sincerely,
Kent Frankfother
Ron and Linda Plew
Jack we are so sorry about your dad I know there’s no words to ease your sorrow. Just know your family and friends are there for you and love you.
Caleigh grandma and Poppy Plew
Corrine Rupar
He sounds like a wonderful Man✝️
Aviel Vaisler
Patrick , deepest condolences to you and the family.
From Aviel Vaisler , RBCHS
Tom Nichin
My sincerest condolences to Jack (whom I taught last year at ICCP) and the entire family. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
– Tom & Sandy Nichin
Nancy Dias
To the entire Enright family, we want to send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son/brother/uncle. We know there are no words to to take away the sorrow or pain you know feel but you god replace them with loving memories. God bless you all.
Diaz Family, Bob,Nancy Daniel and Victoria
Suzy Bloch
Our deepest condolences. The Bloch family.
Linda Roach
Dearest Kate and family, my heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers.
Joe McLachlan
To the Enright family, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your family. The story in his bio was amazing. He will truly be missed. May God grant you mercy and comfort in this time of sorrow.
Carol Leonnig
Dear Enright family, I am so very sorry to hear about Jerry. It feels so unfair. I can still hear his hilarious stories and great laugh from a fun OBX beach trip I took with the Gustafsons so many years ago. He lit up a room with his energy. He will be so missed and he will remain that force in so many people’s memories.
Linda and Steve Dever
It is always sad to lose someone in the prime of their rich and rewarding life. May he rest in peace with God and other loved ones. We hope all of his family and friends find peace as they grieve and process this sad loss. You are in our prayers.