Merle Gilmore

It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Merle Lee Gilmore. Son of Merle Gilmore, Sr, and Leola Gilmore, Merle was born in Chicago, a city that he loved almost as much as he loved the Chicago Cubs. He was a loving husband to Lisa and a very proud father to his sons, Kevin and Ryan. He reveled in life's simple pleasures—golfing, sailing, and cheering on the Chicago sports teams, whom he watched with unwavering loyalty till his final days.

Merle was a hard worker since his very early years. In high school, he helped support his family working numerous jobs, including building the interstate I-57, and later graduated from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1970.He remained involved with the university for decades, receiving the Electrical and Computer Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001 and endowing a professorship in Electrical Engineering in 2007.

Merle’s career at Motorola, Inc., spanned three pivotal decades, culminating in his role as Executive Vice President and President of the Communications Division. Later, Merle moved into private equity as a Partner at Ripplewood and later an Executive Advisor at Siris, in addition to his service as a member of the Board of several technology companies. Merle’s leadership extended to myriad community and professional boards.

After a short but hard-fought battle with cancer, Merle left us on July 4th, surrounded by his family, just a few hours after watching his beloved Cubs. His memory will be forever held dear by his wife Lisa; sons, Kevin and Ryan; daughter-in-law, Lucy; siblings, Diane, Doug, and Debra; and an extended community of family and cherished friends. He will be greatly missed.

A gathering will be held on Friday, July 19th, 2024 from 5pm-8pm at The Barrington White House. The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago, where Merle received brilliant and thoughtful care. In lieu of flowers,donations may be made in Merle’s honor to the Chicago Food Depository or the Engineering Visionary Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.