Leo Carr, Jr.

Leo Carr, Jr. was born in 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Leo and Mary (McHale) Carr. He grew up on Chicago’s west side, attended St. Mel’s High School, and worked part time at all of the city’s sports venues as an Andy Frain usher. After graduation, Leo joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134, where he worked as an electrician. He later earned his master’s degree in education and instructed apprentice electricians until he retired. Leo met the love of his life Betty (Gerleve) on a blind date 60+ years ago and together, they enjoyed 59 years of holy matrimony. They raised their three children, Tim (Kim), Sue Pastuovic (John), and Kevin, first living in Berkeley, then in Elmhurst, Illinois. They were blessed with eight grandchildren including Grant (Chrissy), Camille (John), Colin (Jenna), Ryan, Jack, Meghan (Nate), Michael and Patrick and two great grandchildren Cydney and Mackenzie. Leo is survived by his brother Terry and sister Jacque. He was preceded in death by his sister Sharon. After retiring, Leo and Betty continued to enjoy attending daily Mass at Visitation Catholic Church. They also enjoyed dining out and were greeted like family, at many area restaurants. More than anything else though, Leo enjoyed the company of Betty. He adored her and provided a shining example to anyone that was paying attention, of how a man should treat his wife. Leo was the consummate protector of Betty and the rest of the family and held this role in high regard. Leo was an aficionado and had an encyclopedic memory of films in the Western movie genre or as he called them “cowboy movies”. He quite literally saw every cowboy movie ever made, dozens of times. He also played the piano every day and his grandchildren all have fond memories of sitting on his lap at the piano, learning a fun little tune. Leo especially loved watching and talking about his beloved Chicago Cubs with his grandchildren. If they weren’t watching games together on TV or attending in person, Leo enjoyed sharing his opinions and post-game analysis with his grandchildren either on a phone call or in a family group chat. He was also an avid golfer who loved tearing up the course with his sons and grandkids. Leo left the challenges of this world after a brief illness on Friday, December 10th. As a devote Catholic who put the Lord first, it is our hope that he is now resting in God’s loving embrace. Friends and family will meet Tuesday, December 14, 2021 for a Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church 779 South York Road, (at Madison), Elmhurst. Interment following at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com