Gary Kenneth Regan

Gary Kenneth Regan passed away on May 16, 2026. Beloved Husband of Ellen Regan for a loving 65 years. Devoted Father of Pamela Regan and Matthew (Sally) Regan. Loving Son of the late John Regan and the late Lucille Regan. Beloved Stepson of the late Ruth. Fond Grandfather of Corey, Jackson, and Natalie. Dear Brother of Barbara, the late Carole, Jimmy, Bobby, Maureen, the late Tommy, and Michael. Dear Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Beloved Best Friend of Wally Ostrom and Denny Gross.

Gary was born in Chicago, Illinois and was the oldest of eight siblings. During his childhood he resided in Hillside, Illinois. He attended Butler grade school in what is now Oak Brook, Illinois. He graduated with honors from Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he was involved in ROTC, wrestling and track. His first job was with Regan Brothers construction in Hillside.

Gary met his wife, Ellen Tredrea, at Proviso High School. They began dating in college. He obtained a bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology with honors in 1962. After graduating, he was recruited for the Air Force Officer Training Program in November 1962. He was deployed to the McConnell Air Force Base in the Dominican Republic in 1965. He returned and served an overseas tour of duty at the Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in Vietnam in 1966. He received an honorary discharge from the USAF in 1967 at the rank of Captain. He later received a Masters of Business and Administration from Loyola University in 1969.

Gary worked as a federal employee of the United States Government for 41 years. The majority of which was spent as a civil engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration. He had a fond connection to the Indianapolis Airport where he designed a heliport. He used his engineering skills to design an addition to the parish hall at Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Elmhurst, Illinois where he was a Eucharist minister.

Gary was an avid runner and would often run all around Elmhurst with both of his children. He loved grilling in the backyard with family and friends. He could always be found working on cars in his garage while listening to classic rock music.

Gary was a Ford enthusiast and owned close to 60 cars during his lifetime. He loved attending car shows, auto races and shared that passion with his son. He was loyal, dependable, and you could always count on him for help whenever you needed him.

In lieu of flowers, please be kind and go out of your way to help someone as Gary would have done.

Family and Friends are to gather for the visitation Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 3-8 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). A special words of remembrance to be celebrated at 7 p.m. Funeral to Follow Friday, May 29, 2026, at Russo’s Hillside Chapels at 9 a.m. proceeding to St. Domitilla Catholic Church, 4940 Washington St, Hillside, 60162. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated promptly at 10 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. For additional information, please call (708)449-5300. Please share a remembrance or condolence on Gary’s tribute wall/guestbook found on the tab above.  

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