Jay Florian
Obituary's Biography:
Jay Florian, 61, of Antioch, IL, passed away on October 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Hospice Alliance’s Hospice House, in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was born on October 28, 1960, in Libertyville, IL, completing the family of Don and Marcia Florian and older sister, Cec Florian. As a child he loved attending Avon Elementary School and spending time exploring his Highland Lake, IL, neighborhood. He attended Grayslake Community High School and Bradley University. Upon graduating he managed the family’s Hainesville store, Stop N Save, then went on to become a commercial real estate appraiser.
Jay married his high school classmate and forever soulmate, Gayle Schulz Florian, on May 28, 1983. Together they loved raising their family of two daughters, Gina (Sam) LeMense and Alexi (Quinn) Asaro. Jay dedicated himself to supporting his family’s endeavors, being a constant presence in the bleachers at their sporting events as well as cheering them on in their own adventures and hobbies into adulthood. He endeared himself to others with his warm smile, contagious laugh, kind and generous heart, quick wit, and whacky sense of humor. Jay helped create the kind of warm and inviting home environment that became a retreat for many of the girls’ friends who often remark that the Florian house felt like a second home.
A geographer at heart, Jay read maps like books, and was always planning his next trip. He particularly loved escaping civilization on long treks, hiking and backpacking throughout the country. His passion for the outdoors and conservation led him to years of volunteering in local forest preserves as well as cultivating a native pollinator garden in his own backyard. He enthusiastically shared his love for nature through his gift for photography, winning awards in local contests as well as adding beauty to social media platforms that can often be otherwise divisive.
Jay enjoyed crafting delicious meals for the ones he loved, especially serving them out on the deck overlooking the beautiful woods and wetlands where he and Gayle chose to build their home. Music was also meaningful aspect of Jay’s dynamic life, and it was typical for Jay to be soaking in nostalgic tunes as well as discovering new artists who provided the soundtrack of his days. He always looked forward to attending concerts with his family and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm with a service at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a GoFundMe set up to help alleviate the exorbitant medical costs for Jay’s family. https://gofund.me/de87b85b
Excess funds will be used for a memorial in his honor and/or donated to Sierra Club, an environmental organization Jay was passionate about.
view for slideshow https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/F9RRN84Z2WJSQSLM
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Jay was a work associate and friend for more than 30 years. He truly loved the work that he did and he was a great writer, dogged researcher, intelligent analyst, and had an unshakable moral center and the highest ethics. But I will remember him more for the conversations we shared. He always had an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. We had an understanding and relationship that comes from 30 years of shared experiences and shared career. I loved to chat about the odd properties that we worked on together and to talk through the difficult assignments and problems to be solved. I will deeply miss him.
Although I did not know Jay profoundly, he left such an impression on me. I could tell immediately what a kind, compassionate soul he was. He was so loving, supportive, and caring of Gayle, Lexi & Gina. He had a great sense of humor. I will always remember how he mapped out Gayle and I’s trip to the Women’s March on Chicago ensuring our safety and arrival. I admire and respect his passion and efforts in the conservation and beautification volunteer work he did for Lake County Parks and his shared love of nature and photography.
Joe and I will always fondly remember the times we spent with Jay, Gayle and the girls when we were all younger. Words cannot express the sadness we feel upon learning of Jay’s passing. Jay will remain in my heart as my potential “phone-a-friend.” May your memories of Jay be a comfort and a blessing.
Joe and I will always fondly remember the times we spent with Jay, Gayle and the girls when we were all younger, and we are so sad to learn of Jay’s death. Jay will remain in my heart as my potential “phone-a-friend.” May your memories of Jay be a comfort and a blessing.
Jay,
You touched every person in your own way that you met on your life’s journey. You are truly missed my friend.
So sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make it to the service but will have you in our prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Your family was one of the nicest we met in Antioch and were great friends of of my daughter Kara.
i am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of jay i wont be able to make the service but you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers
We will miss Jay and we are so sorry for your loss. We loved Jay and he was beloved. He was a faithful volunteer in Lake County Forest Preserve and a joy to work with in the woods. We will miss the random encounters as he drove by the house on his way to bird watching early mornings. He was a regular at the Lakes Area band concerts pre-covid. We will miss our lively political discussions. Rest In Peace, Jay.
Dear Gayle, Gina (Sam), Alexi (Quinn), and Cec,
Sorrow touches the heart in such a personal, private way. But I hope you know you are not alone – for caring thoughts are with you now and in the days to come. As you share, talk, and remember, may you truly find that your beloved, Jay, still and always will be in your hearts. This day you are so much in my thoughts, tonight and always you will be in my prayers. I, along with all of you, will surely miss this remarkable and talented man, dear Jay, and his contagious smile, profound thoughtfulness, and zest for life. He was truly an angel here on earth.
Sincere condolences,
Shirleyann Russell
10/29/22