Remembering with love, In Memoriam: Joseph William De Giraud D'Agay

January 11, 1960 - December 1, 2023

Author’s note: The following is a tribute to the late Joseph William De Giraud D’Agay from his loving sister, authored in June, 2024. His tragic passing was described in the Chicago Sun-Times last week to raise awareness about preventable — and too often neglected — injury, illness and death on our streets. As we think about how we can collectively serve our neighbors better, let us also remember and celebrate the life of “Uncle Joey.”

Joey was the 2nd born to Helen and Henry De Giraud D'Agay.  Brother to Ellie, Jimmy, and Pam.  Uncle to Jennifer, Jacqueline, Kelly, Stacey, Ricky, and Matt.

Joey lived just shy of his 64th birthday. With his passing, emerged a flood of memories, some of which I'd like to share today.  

Joey, as we called him growing up, enjoyed keeping us guessing.  It was a part of his charm that would draw you in, and you loved him for it. I remember his room being a mess, but his cars were always immaculate! He had the greatest hair and even trusted me enough to cut it! 

He was so smart, an avid Jeopardy contestant participating from our living room sofa!  I was always amazed at the knowledge he'd gathered, only sharing during Jeopardy.  

Joe enjoyed participating and watching sports, baseball being his favorite.  My daughters became Chicago Bulls & Michael Jordan fans watching many games with their uncle Joey. Against my wishes, he was responsible for them becoming White Sox fans!  And boy was he proud of that!  He was a great Uncle, teaching them to ride their bikes, swim in our backyard pool, and shoot baskets like Michael Jordan.  Ok, that was a bit of a stretch!  Joe was Kelly's softball coach in grammar school and Stacey's comrade watching cartoons every Saturday morning together!  He had the patience to help them with homework and listen to their endless chatter!

Joe was a part of my support system when I lost my 2 year old child suddenly, and again when going through divorce years later.  No words needed to be said, but I knew he was there should I need him.  

One day the demons of drug addiction took the son, the brother, and the uncle we all loved so much.  But those demons can never take the memories we share.  I will forever remember the laughs, the good times and even the difficult times we shared.  I hope in his heart Joe knew he was never forgotten, and always loved.

 Ellie (De Giraud D’Agay) Dyckman