Jan O. Grillos, a longtime resident of Elmhurst, formerly of Denver, passed away March 2, at the age of 79. Jan’s career included serving as a systems programmer for United and Frontier Airlines, sales executive for several technology companies, and as a financial intermediary for privately held businesses.
He was a lifelong swimmer who joked with his buddies at the Elmhurst YMCA, a member of the Elmhurst Artist’s Guild, and an advocate for the Gay Liberation Network. A very social man, Jan treasured the friendships he made through Gay organizations such as the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association, where he chaired the scholarship committee for many years.
Jan is survived by his husband, Chuck Scharenberg; his children, Rob (Holly) Grillos and Jackie (Ricky Morgan) Folena; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his siblings, John M. (Patricia) Grillos, Aleta (Byron) Trauger and Stephanie (Jere) Ellis; his former wife, Lizbeth L. Grillos; his nieces and nephew, and the many family and friends that loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Murdick and Betty Grillos, and a granddaughter, Ashley Buie. A Memorial Service was held on March 6, 2022, at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jan’s name may be made to the OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund, https://opalga.org/scholarship-program/, Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W. First St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, www.YMCAChicago.org/Elmhurst, or Gay Liberation Network, https://gayliberation.net/donate.html, or Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126, www.elmhurstartmuseum.org. For information – 630-834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.
