DuPage Foundation mourns the loss of our friend and advocate, George N. Gilkerson Jr., who passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 78. He was the beloved husband of Cheryl Gilkerson for 42 years, and a loving father and grandfather.
A longtime resident of DuPage County, IL (Glen Ellyn), George graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Accountancy in 1967, followed by his J.D. in 1970. He practiced law for 47 years and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Throughout his career, George concentrated his practice on closely-held businesses, ownership, and management transitions, and banking and commercial real estate finance.
George was an avid champion of DuPage Foundation, helping increase our visibility within the community while growing our impact. He served as a Foundation Trustee from 1998 – 2007, including a stint as chair from 2001 – 2004, and continued to remain a close friend and ambassador throughout his life. In 2010, he was named a Trustee Emeritus by the Board in recognition of his distinguished service, and had most recently served as a consultant and liaison for the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund, which supports instrumental music, cultural, health, educational, artistic, and other charitable organizations serving the needs of DuPage County residents. George was also a proud member of the Foundation’s Legacy Society, which honors individuals and families who have included the Foundation as a beneficiary in their estate plan to support their community and favorite charities.
“George was a tireless proponent of his community, DuPage Foundation, and the arts,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president & CEO. “Throughout the years, he served in a number of civic leadership roles and was instrumental in helping the Foundation navigate through a pivotal period of growth and change. Even after his Board tenure concluded, George continued to remain involved with the Foundation, playing a key role in the creation of the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund, its related programs, and other community initiatives in furtherance of the arts. We are deeply grateful for his advocacy and leadership.”
George’s passion for local arts organizations was nurtured in college, where he witnessed how the arts added value and built cultural awareness in the community. The arts were his savior, his enjoyment, and his way of learning about the greater world.
Through his work with the JCS Fund, George led in brainstorming many new arts-related programs that have been highly impactful. He helped create the JCS Fund’s Young People’s Music Initiative, which has supported music education and performance for more than 100,000 children in 115 DuPage schools. He was instrumental in launching an orchestra program for Community Consolidated School District 93 and Glenbard North High School, which today has more than 160 string musicians. He was the visionary behind the creation of DuPage Foundation’s Arts DuPage Initiative, a county-wide arts council that supports, promotes, and advocates for the arts in DuPage County. He successfully shepherded a campaign to bring Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances to DuPage County and facilitated the establishment of a fund to endow a WTTW Chicago Tonight arts correspondent.
“It has been such a privilege to work with George to brainstorm, implement, and support the many ideas for which he had a vision,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “His passion was contagious, and his drive was inspiring. The programs he helped create and launch will continue having an impact in myriad ways for many people in our community for generations to come. We will truly miss him, and our sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the DuPage Forever Fund. George’s full obituary and details for his services can be viewed here.
