Gary Alan DAIGLE OBITUARY

Gary Alan DAIGLE OBITUARY

Gary Alan Daigle, 68, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, in Chicago, Illinois. He was born in Valdosta, Georgia, to the late Arthur Joseph and Rita Cecilia (Zimmerman) Daigle. Loving father to Erin, Paige, and Grant Daigle (mother, Maria Mire Daigle), devoted partner to Breda Berry; dear brother to Glen (Mindy) Daigle, Donald Daigle, Linda (the late Bobby Jr.) Watts, the late Dennis Daigle, and Steven (Lee Ann) Daigle.

Gary’s musical journey began at a very young age in Gonzales, Louisiana, where he became largely self-taught, mastering multiple string instruments and piano. His lifelong ministry in sacred music also began during his high school years when, in 1975 at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Gonzales, he began working with The Dameans—Mike Balhoff, Gary Ault, Buddy Ceasar, and Darryl Ducote—the pioneering Catholic contemporary music ensemble.

His liturgical formation expanded through studies at the Corpus Christi Center for Liturgical Studies in Arizona and service as Director of Music Ministry at the Franciscan Renewal Center (“The Casa”) in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he began a collaboration of more than thirty-five years with Rory Cooney and Theresa Donohoo. His ministry later led him to serve the communities of St. Monica Catholic Church in Malibu, California, and St. Edna Parish in Chicago. Widely recognized for his extraordinary gifts, Gary composed more than seventy liturgical songs and collaborated with many of the leading figures in Catholic sacred music.

Throughout his illness, Gary’s unwavering faith, quiet strength, selflessness, and deep devotion to family and friends remained an inspiration to all who knew him. His life’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, ministry, mentorship, and love.

Visitation, Monday, July 20, 2026, 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 North Arlington Heights Road (4 blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Morning Visitation Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela St., Barrington, IL 60010. Visitation, Monday, July 27, 2026, 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, LA 70737. Visitation in Church 9:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., St. Theresa of Avila Church, 1022 N Burnside Ave., Gonzales, LA 70737. Interment at Cornerview Cemetery in Gonzales, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Little Sisters of the Poor Chicago, St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N Lakewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (https://littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org/donate/)