David J. Gagliano, “Dave” to just about everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 72.

Dave was born on February 7, 1954, in Rockford, Illinois, to John Gagliano and Jean (Mattoon) Lawrence . As the second of seven children, family was part of who he was from the very beginning, and it stayed that way for the rest of his life.

The best way to describe Dave is simple—he was one of the good ones. He had a way of making people feel comfortable. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, make a friend wherever he went, and was always willing to lend a hand. If someone needed help, Dave was there. He never asked for anything in return. He truly would have given you the shirt off his back. A day on the golf course with friends was a great day, whether it was at Timber Pointe, Sinnissippi, or Mauh-Nah-Tee-See. He was a proud member of the Verdi Club and had many lifelong friendships there and through the St. Ambrogio Society.

He was also a die-hard Chicago Bears fan and proudly held season tickets with his family for more than 20 years. Dave graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder before building a successful career as a manufacturing representative and business owner. He worked hard, took pride in what he did, and built friendships everywhere his work took him. But if you asked him what mattered most, it was never his career.

On February 25, 1977, he married the love of his life, Cris Carroll. Together they shared 49 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. They raised two children, Heather and Ryan, who knew they never had to wonder if Dad would be there. Whether it was a football or basketball game, diving or tumbling meet, school play, or any other event, Dave was always in the stands cheering them on. He was their biggest fan.His greatest joy in later years was becoming “Papa.” Micah, Isaiah, Nolan, Conrad, and Quinn brought out the biggest smile in him, and he loved every chance he got to spend time with them. They were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Gagliano and Jean ((Mattoon) Lawrence; his brother-in-law, James; his sister-in-law, Stephanie; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held on August 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the St. Ambrogio Society, 802 Montague Street, Rockford, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to join us as we share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who meant so much to so many.

Dad, Papa, husband, brother, uncle, and friend—your love, your kindness, and your steady presence shaped our lives in more ways than you’ll ever know. We will miss your smile, your advice, your phone calls, your stories, and hearing you remind us that it’s “just another bump in the road.”

We love you, and we always will.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to https://nmgive.donordrive.com/events/619/donate, and please direct the gift towards other designation and list "LVAD Clinic".