Gerard Cornelius McHale

Gerard Cornelius McHale, 61 of Arlington Heights was born May 11, 1961 in Chicago to Thomas and Constance “Connie” (O’Brien) McHale and passed away September 4, 2022. He remained devoted to his mother Connie until her death in 2015.

Gerard graduated from of Our Lady of Wayside School in 1975 and attended Saint Viator High School.

Gerard was a proud veteran of the United States Army XVIII Airborne Corps and 7th Infantry Division (Light). He trained at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey CA, studying Arabic and Syrian dialect, graduating with honors. He also trained at the US Army Intelligence Center and School for purpose of training as interrogator. During the Gulf War, he provided security and language interpretation at a variety of locations during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. While in training, he demonstrated a keen sense of professionalism and true concern for the training of his fellow soldiers.

Gerard was the loving brother of Mary “Marnie” McHale, Brien (Elaine) McHale, Suzanne (Thomas) Quinlan, Thomas (Lisa) McHale, Janet (Bernard) Asher and Margaret (Patrick) O’Brien; cherished uncle of Brien McHale, Siobhan McHale, Sean (Chrissie Lee) McHale, Kevan McHale, Jack Quinlan, John (Mary) McHale, Joseph McHale, Sam (Rachel) McHale, David (Jaime) McHale, Connie (Stephen) Moroz, Michael Asher, Megan (Lucas) McMartin, Joe Asher, Charlie Asher, Bridget O’Brien, Nora O’Brien and Fiona O’Brien; great uncle of Savannah and Bella McHale, Sawyer, Sloan, and Hudson McHale, Molly and Ramona McHale, Emma McHale, Maeva Moroz, and Zeke, StevieJean and BillieJo McMartin. He also enjoyed the love of his large extended family including the O’Brien, Bodie, McHale and Collins cousins. He was especially grateful for the enduring friendship and support from his cousin John O’Brien and fellow veterans Edward McHale and Bill Collins. He loved everyone’s family pets, most recently walking and taking care of Sadie McHale when needed. He frequented the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on regular basis allowing him to keep in touch with family friends and news of the world.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 4:00 PM until the time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights.

Interment will be Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:45 PM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gerard’s name to Honor Flight Chicago (www.honorflightchicago.org), PADS Emergency Shelter Program, The Hope Center, 1140 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60074, PAWS Chicago (www.pawschicago.org) or your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lauterburgoehler.com for the McHale family.