Joyce Iasillo Gipson

Rest in eternal peace, John. I did not know you in school but in reading Keith's comments I feel I know more now. You have a kind face and, Keith, your tribute is so warm and honest. I am sorry for his family's loss and also sorry for his friends. Thank you for serving our country.

Bobby was a good friend. We lived in the two flat his family owned on Lockwood and they lived on the second floor. We played board games in the basement, sat on the stoop with my sister, Judy (2007) and had a lot of laughs. He was always smiling and had a contagious laugh. His life was not easy at home but he prevailed. I am only sorry we lost touch with one another and I only now found out that he passed away 20 years ago. Thanks for the memories, Bobby. Love, Joyce

Posted on: May 12, 2023 at 3:33 AM

I had Mr. Milanesi for two years. He was a kind, patient teacher whose methdology consisted of speaking nothing but French once you crossed the threshold into his classroom. It seems he had a full life and his picture looked fantastic. RIP, Mr. Milanesi or Reposez en paix.

I did not know Don, personally, but I read The Daily Herald article in addition to what was added here. The glowing tributes are a testimony to him as an exceptional human being among so many other things. I am sorry for the loss to his family and friends. My thoughts are with them as they grieve. It was so good to see the picture of the business card posted by you, Steve. It brought a smile to my face. What terrific memories you must hold. Thank you. Joyce Iasillo Gipson

Happy Birthday, Barb! It's been awhile. Do you leave the area for the winter? Near, far, whever you are, Happy Happy Birthday, beautiful lady!

I did not know Carl in High School. Much later on in life we met by chance when he owned a space next to my brother up in The Dells, WI. My brother told me his neighbor went to Austin. After that we had many get togethers. Carl was active in the town he lived in, Addison. He was a CPA and was an officer in The Italian American Club. We couldn't go anywhere, even Downtown Chicago, without someone knowing him. It was uncanny. He was generous with his time and was on the committee that ran the Columbus Day parade in Chicago. My great nieces got to ride on a float with me. It was such a thrill. He had a home in Italy and he loved his family and friends. A giant of a man in stature and heart and soul.  I thank God for the hapchance circumstance that allowed us to be friends long after Austin. Gone but not forgotten, Carl. Love, Joyce

Marie was my cousin. Our fathers were brothers and we grew up under the same roof in a 3 flat on Cicero and Erie. She was born in France and had dual citizenship. She was quite the typist back in the day when we used manual Underwoods at Austin and we chose careers or college. She was recruited right out of high school by four lawyers in Downtown Chicago and worked hard from that time on. My sister and I were younger and she was so good to us after landing that great job. We had so many great times together and remained close through the years. She passed away suddenly after a family trip with her children to Florida. Rest in peace, dear cousin. Thanks for the memories.

Yes, I also heard at that time that he wanted the others to be rescued first. There is a disparity between dates I see online and when the accident happened. While I have had a response from his sister, Gail, I do not feel comfortable asking why. Losing her brother, no matter what date is posted, is a tragedy. Thanks for your comment, Rich.

I received a message in Classmates from Glen's sister, Gail. Gail and her sister did not attend Austin. Both graduated from Orr. Gail shared that Glen was supposed to go to Our Lady of Angels when they moved into that area just before that tragic fire that took so many lives. However, their enrollment was no longer open so he attended another Catholic elementary school.

Gail shared this today after I reached out to her to ask permission to place Glen in our pages:

"I’m sure my mom and dad would have appreciated that. It is definitely OK with me. My brother was a talented artist. I learned later in life that he was well loved by many of our elderly neighbors whom he visited with often and would take care of things around their homes that needed to be done. He was definitely one of a kind."

Rest in peace, Glen. Joyce

Happy Birhtday, Ms. Fallert. I am an administrator on this website. It is a treat to see a teacher on board. Austin was wonderful and Chicago Public Schools promised an excellent education back then. I am glad you found your niche and that it brought you joy. Celebrate your special day. Joyce Iasillo Gipson '65

Glen was in my division. I am pleased that he has been remembered in our "In Memory" pages. I was very shy and he was very kind and easy to talk to. His sister, Gail, wrote a commentary on the anniversary of the Our Lady of Angels school tragedy which is on the internet. I Googled the fire and hers was the first comment. She said that her brother was supposed to go to OLOA but instead, ended up going to St. Francis that year, only to die tragically a few years later. 

I just want to say thank you, Glen, for your kindess. God took you in His time. May you grace His Kingdom as you did this Earth in the time and space we shared. Peace and Love. Joyce