Gerald Joseph Moncada, aged 80, departed this life on November 15, 2023, in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was an inspiration to his family amid his cancer diagnosis that he handled with unwavering spirit. He dealt with his challenge with persistence and resilience.
Gerry was born on January 31, 1943, in Chicago, to Albert and Angeline Richmond (Moncada). He was the beloved brother to Barbara Hitzelberger (the late John) and loving uncle to Michael, Robert, Lori, Mary Beth Vasquez (Joseph) and Joanne Hathaway (Will). Cherished cousin, special great uncle, and a great friend to many.
After high school, Gerry joined the Illinois National Guard, where he served as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, and from which he was honorably discharged. Whether it was his service duties or his love of Corvettes and motorcycles that motivated him, Gerry then pursued a successful career in the automotive industry. After employment as the General Manager of the Litsinger Ford body shop in Chicago, Gerry became the owner/operator of A-Z Auto Specialists, Inc. After selling A-Z, Gerry continued in the auto dealership business in a variety of roles before retirement.
Gerry lived a full and vibrant life. He owned quite a few Corvettes and Harley Davidson Motorcycles all of which he enjoyed on long road trips with his friends. The same friends that he vacationed with in his favorite places, Las Vegas, Florida, and Mexico and with who he would enjoy his nightlife on the town and attend Chicago Blackhawk games.
Gerry learned to love and respect wildlife of all kinds from his father who was a pigeon breeder and racer. He was a regular contributor to many federations and societies dedicated to improving the lives of wildlife of all kinds. Oftentimes his television was tuned to a show featuring wildlife in their natural habitats. When not, he was watching the Chicago Blackhawks, White Sox, or the Bears. However, of all the wildlife, he loved horses and exotic birds the most.
Gerry owned three horses, Albert, Tulip and Melody-Jack, which he stabled near his house, and he visited often to ride and train. Gerry was extremely
proud of his horses and in 1984 was a National Reining Horse Association Louisville Classic Champion. Learned from his father, Gerry also loved birds. Gerry was the proud father of two parrots, Nina and Slick, and Peaches, his 53-year-old Cockatoo who has survived him. Slick passed two months after Gerry, probably from a broken heart. His love of horses, birds and wildlife is a testament to the kindness and gentleness of Gerry.
Gerry's presence will be deeply missed, and his memory cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in eternal peace.
The Moncada family invites relatives, friends, and acquaintances to join them in a memorial prayer service to be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, located at Cumberland and Belmont, in River Grove, IL, on the 15th of June, 2024. Please meet at the cemetery office at 11:00am.
After the graveside service, a luncheon to celebrate Gerry's life and pay tribute to his courage and legacy will follow at a location TBD and communicated.
Those wishing to honor Gerry's memory may direct contributions to A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife, Inc., located at 2720 Dundee Road, Suite #229, Northbrook, IL 60062-2609. This is where Peaches will live out her remaining life.