Dean Tiberi

Dean Christopher Tiberi, age 56, of Downers Grove, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Born a gentle, loving, kindhearted soul, son of John Tiberi and Barbara Stephenson, loving big brother to Tina Engelhardt, Rocco Tiberi, Angelique Papst Tiberi, Samuel Ciesinski, and Damen Ciesinski; adoring Uncle to Isabella Tiberi, Andrew and Matthew Ciesinski Mason Ciesinski, Valentina Papst Tiberi, and Isaiah Ciesinski; nephew to Charles, Joanne, Robert, and David Tiberi and Steve and Donna Stephenson; cousin to the long line of family members and warm-hearted friend to everyone he met.

So much can be said about this wonderful man we all knew and loved. Our hearts are broken with this tremendous loss of a grander than life gift in Dino. What would take a novel of a lifetime to compose, we share in love just a little about his life knowing full well words on a paper could never capture the abundant life that has blessed us from the moment he was born into this world and who will continue to be a light in each of our lives as his memory lives on; there is nothing but adoration to be had for Dean. We hope others will share their stories and his impact on their lives here as well, bringing comfort and heart filled love to their memories of Dean.

As a child his imprint on this world was already tremendous. Dean, being the first born, was a family centered man from the start; his parents, aunts and uncles described him a gentle soul, happy and go lucky, laughing and filled with life - you could see it in his eyes as a child how loving and caring he was; a rare and unique light that never changed except to get brighter. When Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Dean possessed and carried throughout his life, that inner childlike heart filled with peace and openness in his approach to every human being and like a child who lights up a room with their laughter and lightness, not bringing the hardness of this world - he saw life through the eyes of the glory making every person feel like they were welcome, and they were family.

Growing up he built many memories with his sister Tina whom he was closest with as a child, with his brother Rocco who shared his love of sports, his youngest sister Angelique who was blessed to have a consistently deeper growing connection a little later in life and of course with his youngest brothers Sam and Damen who he loved and was a mentor to in many ways. He grew surrounded by lots of love, spending precious time with aunts, uncles as well as with his loving cousins and a sea of friends – bringing smiles to their lives regularly. Life, as all do, had many challenges but he always faced them in admirable boldness, head on and through patience, persistence, endurance and some pain, but always naturally overcoming the biggest obstacles and hurts in a grace filled approach of lightheartedness, even in the hardest of times.

Family life – which included his chosen extended family of friends - remained on the forefront of his priorities throughout his life as was evident in his time and sacrifices to be there always for them with compassion and love at the forefront of all he did and spoke. He never failed to bring his love to the next generation, making memories and spending time with his nieces and nephews, always carving out special places and things to be done with them and most of all laughs to be had. While not having his own children, he became the best example and influence a parent could want for their child. He made the village, a village of love.

Early on in life he showed a love for words and expression, for education and sharing all of it; with the love and help of his Grandma Connie he was reading as early as age of 2 and even the newspapers before being 5 - it was no wonder he majored in journalism. He was known later in life to read with ease words backwards in sporting fun in his sports broadcasting and favorite past time as mentor Harry Caray.

Dean was a team player in both life and sports from the very beginning, always working together for the greater good; and finding comradery at every corner. His open loving heart, his contagious laughter and smile, coupled with his God given talents drew people close to him in all walks of life and they never wanted to let go. He was a rare gem that is truly treasured and lives in our hearts now.

His love of sports is known by all and was given an opportunity to be expressed very early, having a dad who was as passionate about sports as he was to encourage him. As a young man he participated in sports and, like his academics - excelled – first under the tutelage of his dad on his baseball team and then later with the many teams he participated in scholastically and also recreationally. The love of sports carried over into every part of his life from announcing little league games up through high school level, score keeping, cheering on his nephews, cousins’ children and friend’s children in their competitions, participating in fantasy football with friends, attending many games and even throwing out the first pitch at his very own Chicago Cubs Stadium. His vivid live video feeds were the highlights for so many as he loved to share the “play by play”. His voice alone brought a smile to the vast sea of faces of who ears were there to listen.

After high school he inspiringly put himself through college, one of the first of our generation, attending Eastern University where he not only got an education, but he met friends of a lifetime. These were some of his most precious years and many colorful stories that added to the unique man he was. He loved sharing his college experience with his younger brothers, having them participate in “family weekends”. At Eastern he majored in journalism which he incorporated into so much of what he did later in life. Using his journalism skills and his incredible talent with statistics, he was called upon often to co-host and fill in on WGN’s Sports Radio and other local stations – a highlight and passion for him.

His professional and high work ethic led him in long term employment positions working with John Hancock Insurance for about 10 years and then Metlife for almost 20 years. Every place he worked, his warm personality brought many new and wonderful friendships. Toward the end of his life, he enjoyed meeting and talking with all those that rode in the “Harry Caray” uber mobile with the known ONID Chicago Cubs plate. He had many a story from this experience and often gave rides to people out of the goodness of his heart - all so much a part of who he was.

Many knew him as “Harry” due to his incredible impression of the cubs most famous announcer – not only sounding like him but having that same charismatic passion in his voice and demeanor. We will never forget his big signature Harry glasses. He was asked many times to speak on the radio, participate in Harry Caray events and fundraisers, coming to know Dutchie Caray along the way. We can picture him now, up in heaven saying directly to Harry “You’re a Cub man, a Bud man and we hope they are too.” He was a talented, loving, passionate and overall ideal person, loved by all those who met him.

He was a loving son who connected with his dad through sports and shared an appreciation of his mother for all the artistic talent she too had. The last years of his life he cared deeply and meaningfully for his father helping with all the many medical needs he had, lifting him up in the most difficult period of his dad’s life while putting his own life on hold.

One of his most treasured parts of life was his nieces and nephews – taking time to spend with them, connecting in sports, playing games and just making them laugh a lot. His love was felt tremendously, and we hope will be imprinted in their hearts forever carrying his love to the world through them – living as he did, a blessed life rooted in the attributes of Christ lived out, not one day but every day.

His core characteristics rooted in love and daily life walk emulated the highest of men, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; Dean is a living example to us all. He was private in his faith but always open to praying over the needs of others and had the love of Christ written all over his life. His shining light will be forever missed.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

A visitation for Dean will be held Friday, July 16, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home. Dean will be laid to rest privately at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery.

The funeral service will be available to watch online through zoom at the time of the service. Please reference the link to join:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81453529458?pwd=WTB6UEloQ3BWQmJkUXpCVElWS24vUT09

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family can be made directly at the memorial services or sent by mail in care of:

Angelique Tiberi

5400 Walnut Avenue Unit 804

Downers Grove IL, 60515

Funds will be used for funeral expenses and to support the athletic teams that Dean contributed his time and love to.

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