Gilbert Marquez

Gilbert Marquez, born on February 5, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on April 15, 2026, in Naperville, Illinois, leaving behind a life marked by kindness, selflessness, and friendship.

He was the beloved son of the late Rodolfo and Celia Marquez and was cherished as a brother to Alex Marquez, Marcy and Andy Dulka, Joe and Doris Marquez, Laura and Jean Marquez, and Judy and David Boisdorf. He was also a loving husband to Mary, a  father to Gilbert Marquez, a caring stepfather to Michael and Brandi Fregeau and Matthew and Samantha Fregeau, and a proud grandfather to Kaden Harris and Elliott. He was a treasured uncle to Madlyn Navarro, Danny Boisdorf, Steve Moore, and Joe Moore, and he was blessed with many great-nieces and great-nephews. He also held a special place in the lives of his brother-in-law Rick Wygonik and family of Bayfield, Wisconsin, as well as the late Edward Wygonik and family of Oak Park, Illinois.

Gilbert grew up in Romeoville and attended Romeoville High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life. On March 25, 2017, he married Mary Fregeau, formerly Wygonik, in Plainfield, Illinois, in a ceremony officiated by his best friend, Kurt Wendel. For the past five years, Gilbert resided in Oswego, Illinois, where he and Mary built a warm home and made many close friends who became like family to them.

Gilbert was a born salesman and spent part of his career at Arrow Truck Sales in Bolingbrook, Illinois, where he sold semi-trucks and built lasting relationships with his co-workers. Even after he left the company in 2022, those friendships continued, a reflection of the genuine connections he made wherever he went. His easy manner, loyalty, and sincerity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of working beside him.

Outside of work, Gilbert enjoyed a life filled with music, family, and simple pleasures. He loved music of all genres, from hard rock to smooth jazz and country, and he also enjoyed cooking. He was a devoted football fan and, thanks to his brother-in-law Dave, became a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. He attended many games at Lambeau Field with his family and also loved the Chicago Cubs. He found joy in bonfires, splitting his own wood, and hosting  nights around the fire, where laughter, conversation, and togetherness came naturally.

Gilbert was deeply loved by his dear friends and neighbors, including Kurt Wendel, Rob Hoffman, Darlene Smith, Jeff Sittler, Nicole Mayer, Marty and Connie Smith, Deb Smith, and Todd Lecus. He was known for his warm heart, his generous spirit, and his ability to make others feel welcome and valued. His presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

He was also a true animal lover, and he and Mary shared their lives with many beloved pets over the years. He especially loved his dogs Brutus, Shamus, and Romeo, along with too many cats to count. Gilbert would have adopted every shelter animal if he could, a testament to the compassion that guided so much of his life.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora, Illinois, for their kindness and care, as well as to AccentCare Hospice in Naperville for the comfort and support they provided in his final days. Gilbert will be remembered with love for the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him, and his memory will remain a lasting source of comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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