I knew Gordon for almost 30 years.  I met him when he was still working for Michigan DOT.  He had come to a Transportation Research Board Freeway Operations Committee midyear meeting in Toronto.  Gordon and I from that point forward would share many good times.  In those early days we spent a good bit of time talking on the phone or emailing about work.  We were building a new freeway management system in Toronto and Gordon had great expertise to share.  I have continued to be in awe of Gordon's knowledge and expertise over all these years.  As we knew each other more our conversations and time together broadened out into family and friends and sharing memories of the early days of our industry.  In 2012 TRB appointed Gordon as an Emeritus Member of the Freeway Operations Committee.  This appointment acknowledged his very significant contributions to the freeway operations and ITS communities and to the committee.  The Freeway Operations Committee is one of the foremost organizations for our industry so this recognition of Gordon is significant.  We circulated news of Gordon's passing to the committee and committee friends and received an outpouring of responses.  The main theme of the responses pointed to how enjoyable it was to be with Gordon, to experience his wit and warmth and friendship.  Of course many also identified his technical contributions.  We have all been made better having known Gordon.  He will be missed!   

Gordon, we know you are in a better place now but you are still missed down here by many who knew and admired you. It was an honor to have known you as a colleague and friend at NET/Delcan and I appreciate the knowledge you readily and patiently shared with me about all things traffic operations and ITS. Your sense of humor was infectious and made many of us laugh, even during the most stressful moments in our projects. You were an icon in our industry and I'm proud to say I knew and worked with the best! Now that you're "up there", I know that traffic will be smoother in heaven and the angels will be shaking their wings in wonder at your treasury of algorithms! Fair winds and following seas my friend.

MaryAnn, I know you lost a beloved husband and family man, but you can take comfort in the many lives that Gordon touched in a positive way. My deepest condolences to you and the entire Paesani family.

Paesani!!! Is my usual greetings to you, Gordon! So sad to hear of your passing.  I will miss your phone calls, your frustrated phone calls about document formatting which you always figure out (just needed a sounding board :) Rest in peace Gordon Paesani!!
My deepest sympathy Mary Ann! and to the family! 
God Bless :DLUcy :Doloiras


Gordon, 
Rest in peace my friend, it was a short time we had together but it felt like I had known you all my life, I will certainly remember you for all my life, a generous and loving soul. All I ask from you now is that if you ever get that hole in one, let me know because I am still trying on this plane.
Bill

Gord hired me out of college.  He not taught me about work and life, important for a young person headed out into the real world.  I still use the ideals that he taught me.  His passion for the Lions and golf will always stick with me.  He had an infectious laugh that would make me feel good whenever I heard it.  He will be missed. 

The world has lost a great mind, a kind man, and a great friend.  During my time as the Illinois Tollway's Traffic Operations Center Manager, Gordon never failed to make sure I knew how much he respected the work we did there.  He always made me and my staff aware of what a truly active and functional operation we had built.  We laughed when he would confuse me with what we named his "algorithm speak".  If I had an idea for new functionality, Gordon could  make it happen but would attempt to explain how he did it.  I would say, "Gord… stop with the algorithm speak already!"   Gordon always had brilliant ideas on how to improve the software making the Traffic Information Management System (TIMS) the best in the industry.  Sometimes he even let me think those ideas were my own.  What a kind  friend.   He raised the bar in that system for all others to try to reach.   He was just  "the best". 
My prayers go out to MaryAnn who he loved so deeply, his friends and family, and of course to his "team".   I'm sure they are crushed  to have lost their friend, their past leader, and their frequent sounding board.  Gordon Paesani will be truly missed by all who crossed his path.  

I have always heard great things about Gordon from the project managers at the Illinois Tollway and Parsons. On behalf of the team at the Illinois Tollway, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Gordon was quite well known by the Tollway staff and consultants who had worked with him in the Traffic Operations Centre. Gordon had brilliantly designed and implemented the software and video wall to manage all crashes and travel times on the Illinois Toll roads. The video wall and Traffic Centre has been working seamlessly, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Gordon. I thank you for your support and share your loss deeply. He will be dearly missed by all of us. 

With Sympathy,
Amarpal

Amarpal S. Matharu, P.E., MBA
Traffic Operations Manager
Illinois Tollway
630.399.7281
 

Gordon was a nice blend of brilliance and passion. I was so pleased to see the reference to his advocacy for the young women in the office, he was indeed one of a kind in that regard. May his legacy live on and may God give your family peace and comfort.  Love, Cheryl-Marie 

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Gordon Paesani

15 February, 1940 – 26 July, 2018

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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