I've recently heard someone say that it's hard to know what a death means until it's over and been a while. That you have to live with absence to really know what a death really is, it's impossible to know who someone really is until you see the blank space they left. It's been several years now since George Gutierrez died, and now I think I know better what his absence actually means.

He took care of far more than anyone knew. He quietly bore more burdens than he ever mentioned. And he loved and trusted God more than we could understand. 

He made annoying sounds he thought were funny all the time at home and drove everybody crazy. He actually followed the Catholic rules about not taking Communion if you haven't been to Mass in a while. He exclaimed at Bears games so loudly you could hear him a floor up and across the house. He noticed and cared about things being beautiful, both in nature and man-made things. He understood humanity better than he had any right to. He made terrible mistakes that his children live with, like most parents. He liked animals more than he would admit to. He always remembered to bring a Kleenex for his daughter when they watched the musical Les Miserables for the scene where Gavroche dies. He had a million stories about what it was like to get government cheese as a kid and run wild in LA in the 70s. He recognized and articulated everything uncomfortable about the American class system. He knew a lot about educating kids. 

I look forward to seeing him again.

I came across this email.  I think of George often, with great memories of the time we worked together.  He was very dedicated to students, and was ready to challenge the system when it was veering away from its mission so that his students would receive the best education a great  teacher such as George could provide.

I’m surprised and saddened. I was searching his name so I could go visit him he was a great teacher and a great CHESS coach . He was more than a coach he was like a father to us RIP.

I am surprised and saddened to learn of George's passing.  A kind and gentle person, he cared deeply about his students, and worked patiently to help each of them learn math.  He was an inspirational staff member who continually sought professional development to stay abreast of best practices.  And he was a dedicated family man who maintained an admirable balance between his personal and professional life.


I am so saddened to hear of George's passing. George and I were both CPS Network Math Coaches. He was such a kind and positive person. I will always have fond memories of him.  My condolences to his family.



I worked with Mr. Gutierrez when he was an administrator at Hedges.  He was a bright and joyful man and I remember him busting out the guitar on occasion!  God rest his soul and bless his family with good memories to comfort them. 

George was a great man, he was our math coach at Peabody Elementary-he loved working with my students in the diverse learner program and talked often about his son. He taught me so much about teaching math and challenged me to be a better teacher.  My condelences to the family. 

George it was a pleasure to have met you. I will miss our conversations about our ELL students @ PWHS and will keep you in my prayers.

I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. In the time that I worked with him at St. A's, he was always kind and interesting to talk to. He shared his knowledge in mathematics and his love of music with the students generously, and was well liked by all. I am praying for your family during this time. 

From the minute I met George, I liked him, and that never changed.  I recognized him as a quality person, and a dedicated teacher, the kind who inspires others to be better just by his own actions.  He will be missed by all here, and I will miss my daily chats with him, a highlight of my day.

My condolences to George’s family.  I am reminded of a quote about another friend who passed too soon:

“A beautiful life came to an end.  He died as he lived, everyone’s friend.”

OBITUARIO

George Luis Gutierrez

15 marzo, 1962 – 28 mayo, 2021

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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