Guy D. Vena

Guy D. Vena, 92, of Palatine Illinois passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marcia Vena; his children, Scott (Helena) Vena, Lisa (Jim) Johnson, Tara (Steve) MacTavish, Tom Vena, Jill Vena, Joel (Julie) Vena; his beloved grandchildren, Jordan (Kari), Jared (Lex), Madison, Mitchell, Riley, Trey, Melina (Kyle), Greg and Oliver; and cherished great-grandchildren, Leni, Jax, Mia, Lili and George; also by many nieces, nephews and friends. Guy is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Adeline Vena, and his brothers John (late Mary), Dominic (late Kay), Harry (late Winnie), and his sister Edith (late Nick).

Guy left behind a legacy defined by his unwavering love for family, respect for education and remarkable resilience. He was born in Chicago, a city that shaped him as he ran its streets as a self-proclaimed "snot-nosed kid." He was the son of Italian immigrants who faced the struggles of poverty and the loss of his mother at a tender age. Yet, from those early hardships, Guy learned resilience and was determined to overcome obstacles and create a better future.

Guy’s family eventually moved to Westmont. It was during his time as a student at Hinsdale High that Guy embraced the power of education as a pathway to opportunity and a better life. He excelled academically and athletically at Hinsdale where he lettered in four sports and earned All-State honors in football and All-Conference accolades in baseball.

After serving his country during the Korean War, he continued his education at Bemidji State University where he majored in speech and drama. It was at Bemidji that he not only excelled as an athlete, being named All-American in football, but also met the love of his life, Marcia. Guy and Marcia married shortly after graduation and together built a beautiful family in Palatine, Illinois, where they lived for 59 years, raising six children and instilling in them the same values that guided his own life - hard work, dedication, and the importance of education.

Guy’s distinguished career as an educator touched countless lives. It began at Arlington High School, where he taught English. Blending his passion for sports with teaching, he mentored countless young athletes, coaching baseball, wrestling, hockey, and football. He even introduced the community to Bemidji Ball, bringing a touch of his alma mater to the Northwest suburbs.

While teaching and raising a family, Guy earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration which propelled him into positions of leadership as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and later as Director of Student Activities at Hersey High School. In these roles, Guy served as a guiding presence in the lives of many, always advocating for the best in his students.

Bemidji State University remained close to Guy’s heart throughout his life, a place he cherished and supported. Over the years, he and Marcia were fixtures at BSU homecoming games, dances and reunions, and Guy was honored with several accolades from the university. He was selected to receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award, was inducted into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Guy Vena Inspiration Leader Award was created to commemorate the inspiration he provided to others.

Guy led a remarkable life and his accomplishments were many, yet he would say that his biggest achievement of all was his family.

The cabin that he left on Grindstone Lake was a dream he built with love; a place in the Northern Woods where memories were created, laughter echoed, and family bonds were strengthened. It was a testament to his belief in the importance of family and a legacy he wanted to pass down through generations.

Guy showed others what it means to be resilient, to care deeply, and to strive for a better life. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him - most especially in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry his love and his spirit with them always.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 3 to 8 pm at Glueckert Funeral, 1520 N. Arlington Hts. Rd, Arlington Hts., IL 60004. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Little Sisters of the Poor - St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, 2nd floor Chapel, 80 W. Northwest Hwy. in Palatine, IL 60067. Interment to follow in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude's Research Hospital, or to Little Sisters of the Poor - Palatine.