Gershon Alcantara, Jr.

Gershon Alcantara, Jr., 48, of Grayslake and Chicago, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 20, 2023 at his home. He was born September 3, 1974 in Chicago, IL and was the oldest of three children born to the union of Gershon Sr. and Ruby Alcantara.  

Gershon was a selfless, gentle, and brave man, who was loved by many. His infectious cackling laugh could be heard from across the room. He always had a smile on his face and a Cubs logo on his chest. There has never been a bigger Chicago Cubs fan than Gershon. The day they won the World Series was one of the happiest days of his life, so much so that he watched the replay of the entire series at least ten times.

He was a committed father and husband and took both roles very seriously. The dedication he had to his family was a testament to the stand-up person that he was. He adored his son, Gershon III, who not only carries the same name, but also the same character and valor of his father. It was very important to him to teach his son such valuable lessons and life skills, which now shine on through his son. For fun, they enjoyed making creative costumes together to attend the C2E2 conventions, and they also loved going to the gun range.

He met his wife, Gina, in Las Vegas in 2002. With an inseparable bond, they overcame a long distance relationship and a deployment to Iraq. They were married in 2005, moved to Grayslake, had a son, and built a wonderful life together. The love he had for his wife was immeasurable. The unbreakable bond they shared was beautiful and is everlasting.  

Gershon was employed at Allstate Insurance Company for 25 years with his latest title being a Managing Platform Consultant.  He was a dedicated employee, formed many bonds, and made lifelong friends.

Gershon honorably served in the United States Army from 1996 to 2004. He selflessly served his country with several deployments, the longest one being in the Iraq war.

In many different areas of his life, Gershon was a gift to others, always ready to help anyone who asked, to lend an ear or kind word, and to offer genuine friendship. He was a blessing to all who knew him.

Gershon is survived by his wife of 18 years, Gina Alcantara (née Tortora) of Grayslake; his son, Gershon Alcantara III; his mother, Ruby Alcantara of Chicago, IL; his brothers and sisters, Rachelle Vardon of Chicago, IL, Roxanne Bejarano of Chicago, IL, Allen Saber of Manila, Philippines, Alne Wong of Los Angeles, CA, Aldine Alcantara of Phoenix, AZ, and Alvin Alcantara of Aurora, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and is preceded in death by his father, Gershon Alcantara, Sr.

Visitation will be held 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Symonds Lakes Funeral Home 111 W. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, with visitation inside the church 10:00 AM and mass with military honors 11:00 AM at the Saint Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL. Fr. John Chrzan, Officiating, Funeral Mass live stream will start 10:55 AM June 2, 2023 CST https://www.youtube.com/@stgilbertlive2337 Interment with military honors, 11:00 AM Monday, June 5, 2023 at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery 27034 S. Diagonal Rd., Elwood, IL 60421. 

For those wishing to send a gift to honor Gershon’s memory, contributions may be made toward Gershon’s Future Fund to further their son’s education and plans for the future. (Please make checks payable to Gina Alcantara and mail to her home or the Symonds Lakes Funeral Home).

For additional information please contact the funeral home at 847-543-1080.

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