Oak Park Newspaper

Wm. B. Sullivan Realty & Co.
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Gus W. Kostopulos, age 81, of Oak Park, beloved husband of Patricia, nee Morand; loving father of Elaine (John Schmelzer), Margaret (Masaru Takiguchi), Greg (Brenda Smith), Terese (Blake Beck), Peter and William; cherished grandfather of Kara, Jack, Maximilian and Katherine; dear brother of Frances (Robert) Balluff. Visitation Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Prayers Saturday 9:15 a.m. to Ascension Church for Mass 10 a.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Honor Flight Network are appreciated.

Funeral Info: 708-383-3191.

Gus with Village President Joanne Trapani
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Gus with a Village resident discussing issues before a meeting.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Oak Park village trustee Gus Kostopulos has died at the young age of 81, young for Gus and his friends. Gus has lived in Oak Park for almost half a century and was liked by all sides of just about any persuasion. Gus passed this past Wednesday morning from heart problems, the physical kind, not the spiritual. He had a pace maker and that kept him well for a number if years, but July 6th was his last day with all who loved him and called him dad, husband, grandpa, and friend.

Gus was that all too rare person who had a heart of gold and went that extra mile to help others, many in need. I will miss him and his wonderful smile and sense of humor and always admire him for his loving hand to the town and all who lived here.

Married some 57 years to one woman and with her a love of architecture and design.

Gus was on the Village Board from 1997 to 2005, and was on the Plan Commission for a bit and even President of the Village's Oak Park Housing Authority board. He was awarded the Ulyssean Award by the 2007 Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park and River Forest. Gus was a local treasure and I loved the work he did to make Oak Park what it is.

Rest in Peace my friend.

Gus at a Village zoning meeting, sitting with friends and fellow trustees (Trustee Galen Gockel is in front of Gus).
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Gus in the front passengers seat with Barbara Ebner and Sandra Sokol behind, in a local parade.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Gus listening to view points and thinking
of their impacts as law and design.