Eugene F. Migely Jr.

Eugene F. Migely Jr., known to all as Gene, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, after nine years of bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease. He was surrounded by the love of his family and had many special loved ones visit during his last days.

Born on January 6, 1940, to the late Eugene and Helen Mary (nee Gott) Migely, he was the devoted husband of Virginia “Ginna” (Duffy) for 58 years, a partnership rooted in joy, faith, and unwavering support. They were married in 1967 at Our Lady of Peace in Chicago, building a life rich with family, community, and tradition.

He was an amazing Dad and so proud of his six children, each of whom carries forward his kindness, integrity, and deep sense of responsibility: Susan Stefaniak; Patty (Ed) Burke; Ann (Dave) Payne; Jim (Kristine) Migely; Michael (Jodelle) Migely; and Maureen (Steve) Thomas.

To fifteen lucky grandchildren, he wasn’t Grandpa—he was “Pa,” the guy who never missed a game or turned down a driveway basketball challenge and somehow taught all fifteen of them to ski. (If you ever saw a line of little skiers following a smiling man down Big Powderhorn Mountain, you knew it was Gene). Nathan, Will, Jane, Sean, Patrick, Molly, Charlie, Henry, Lilian, Declan, Quinn, Ben, Kate, Rowan, and Klyce each carry a signature “Pa lesson”—from how to keep your skis in a “pizza” to how to treat people with kindness. And they all loved to share some of Pa’s popcorn (aka “Pa-corn”) which was one of his favorite snacks.

Gene was the oldest of 7 children: Dick (Ellen), Denise (Bill) Casey, Jerry (Caralyn), Michael, Mary Lou (Mike) Beaudoin, and the late Joanne. He was also Uncle Gene to 16 nieces and nephews.

A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Gene grew up on the south side of Chicago in Beverly down the street from St. Barnabas where he attended grade school. He graduated from Leo High School (Class of 1958) before earning his degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University in 1963, a place he loved and supported as a true "Warrior". Three of his six children and one grandson graduated from Marquette, and one granddaughter is a student there now, which made him so proud. He later earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Loyola University, further fueling a career defined by diligence, leadership, and generosity. Gene’s first job out of college was with Westinghouse Corporation and it was no surprise to anyone in the family that he still had a file with his original offer letter from December 1962 still in it.

Gene believed deeply in service—to family, to community, and to all those looking for a helping hand. He gave countless hours to St. Edna’s Parish, serving as a counter for Sunday collections, a Bingo treasurer, a eucharistic minister, and a committed blood donor. He shared his time and talents as President of the Big Powderhorn Mountain Homeowners Association, a member of the Ivy Hill Investment Club, and as a dedicated volunteer with SCORE, where he mentored small business owners with patience, insight, and encouragement, including one of his own nephews.

Family and sports were at the heart of Gene’s life. A lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan, he also coached many of his kids’ baseball, softball, and basketball teams, shaping not only their skills but their confidence, teamwork, and love of the game. Gene’s children and especially his grandchildren carry vivid memories of seasons spent on fields, in gyms, and laps around the lake in the speedboat–always with Gene cheering, teaching, and celebrating every effort. And after many years of skiing with friends, kids, and grandkids at Big Powderhorn Mountain, he took his last run there at the age of 76.

Gene made friends wherever he went and treasured his communities in Arlington Heights, Whitewater, WI at the family lake house, as well as winter months spent with dear friends in Ft. Meyers, FL.

Gene’s legacy is one of warmth, dedication, quiet strength, and deep faith. He will be remembered for his steady presence, patience, his willingness to help anyone in need, his commitment to his community, and above all, his love for his family. Gene was a selfless person whose status in life was measured by the success and happiness of his wife, children and grandchildren. His rosy cheeks, soft demeanor, and patient ways will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation or Misericordia Foundation, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Visitation will continue Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights from 9:00 am until time of mass at 10:00 am. The funeral mass will be livestreamed, the link will be available on Eugene's obituary page. A burial service at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine will follow.