Gerald "Jerry" William Ellsworth

Gerald “Jerry” William Ellsworth, 91, former longtime resident of Arlington Heights, passed away September 4, 2023.  Beloved husband of the late Margaret, nee Campbell; loving father of William (Debra), Thomas (Nancy Swan), Daniel (Margaret), Michael (Nathalie), Robert and Peggy (Stacy Paller); cherished grandfather of Bill (Lauren), Brian (Ashley), Kevin (Nicole), Bridget, Gerald and Margot; dearest great grandfather of Connor, Will, Brandon, Poppy, Liam and Finn; devoted brother of the late Doris (the late Johnny) Murar, Richard (the late Marion), Alfred (Dorothy) and Harold; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Gerald William Ellsworth was a devoted and proud family man. He was quick witted with a dry sense of humor.  He was born and raised in Chicago with his sister Doris, brother Richard, and twin brother Alfred. In his early years Jerry and Al were inseparable; they went to Fenwick where Jerry graduated salutatorian. Ironically, 60 years later his granddaughter, Bridget achieved the same honor. Jerry and Al both went to Notre Dame, roomed together and Jerry graduated #1 in his accounting class. Notre Dame football became their lifelong passion - hardly ever missing a game in South Bend or on tv. Jerry was called to serve in the Army after his college deferment and shipped off to Muskegon, Mi. During this time, he married the love of his life, Marge Campbell who he had dated since he was 16. They were together for over 70 years.

Jerry loved his work career and didn’t retire completely until he was 79. He specialized in finance management for construction and engineering firms. The bulk of the last 30 years of his career was as finance director on Chicago airport projects including the International Terminal and United’s Terminal as well as numerous other projects.

His career as a CPA started at Arthur Anderson which sent the young couple to various cities including Montreal, but finally settled in Illinois. Jerry worked hard to support his wife and eventual 6 children. He always found time to coach his kids’ various sports teams and often went straight from the train to the practice field. When he wasn’t watching ND football, Cubs, or Bears he was watching one of his kids or grandkids in whatever activity or sport they were involved.

In the early years he loved family vacations in Eagle River, WI and then at his condo in Sarasota, Fl for the last 42 years. So many friends and family over the years ventured down to spend time with Marge and Jer on the shuffleboard court or at the pool.  He was a voracious reader who loved spy novels and weekly trips to the library. He read 2 newspapers a day and finished every crossword with remarkable ease.

He gave his all to his family and supported each of his children in all of their endeavors. His kids are forever grateful for his love, advice, and encouragement.

Visitation Wednesday, September 13th, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates.  Family and friends will meet at St. James Catholic Church, 820 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights on Thursday September 14th, for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Interment to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associatio n, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601or the American Heart Association , 300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1200, Chicago IL 60606.