Former Palatine High School Athletic Director Gerald 'Chic' Anderson Dies

Gerald J. "Chic" Anderson, 84, a long-time resident of Palatine, and former Athletic Director of Palatine High School, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Chic leaves behind a legacy in high school athletics as well as community service. He dedicated his life to the betterment of youth athletics, and rarely missed an opportunity to personally connect, encourage and inspire young student athletes throughout his years as a coach and educator.

He helped instill in students, teachers, and coaches the traditional values of honesty, sincerity, love, and hard work.

Under his leadership, Palatine High School athletic programs gained recognition in the Northwest suburbs and the state of Illinois for their integrity, competitiveness and school spirit. Upon his retirement in 1988, Palatine High School paid him the ultimate compliment by naming the football stadium, Chic Anderson Stadium.

We will deeply miss our Dad, Pops, Papa, Chic, Uncle Bud, and Coach. As our hero and someone who always had a positive attitude. He taught us love, integrity, and patience. For that, we are forever grateful.

As a man dedicated to faith and family, and a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, his greatest legacy, shared with his wife—the love of his life—are his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou Anderson, and his 7 children: Mark Anderson, Tammy Fitzgerald, Cindy (Terry) Ellis, Gordy (Suzanne) Anderson, Joe (Pam) Anderson, John (Meghan) Anderson, and Stan (Mary) Anderson. He was "Papa" to his surviving 13 grandchildren.

Chic was born on Dec. 10, 1928, in Cambridge, Ill., and was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Julius Anderson and his brother Berendt. He is survived by his four siblings: Phyllis, Eleanor, Marian (Louie), and Jack (Dorothy), sister-in-law Lorraine Anderson, brother-in-law Dean (Jean) Hill. 

Many notable accomplishments:

• Illinois Athletic Director’s Association Outstanding Athletic Director of the year 1979.
• National HS Coaches Association Athletic Director of the year 1982.
• Palatine Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Community Service Award 1982.
• N. W. Community Hospital Sportsman of the Year Award 1991.
• Illinois Athletic Director’s Association Hall of Fame 1998.
• Palatine High School Hall of Fame 1999.

He was an extraordinary man, a difference maker, and a mentor to many. His positive attitude will continue to inspire for years to come.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., in Palatine.

The family is inviting all attendees of the visitation to wear Palatine High School or scarlet and gray attire in celebration of Chic's dedication to Palatine High School athletics.

Family and friends will meet Saturday, Dec. 7, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1201 E. Anderson Dr., in Palatine for mass at 10 a.m. Interment will be at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you can contribute to the Chic Anderson Award Fund, c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL 60067.

Visitation:  Map to Palatine Chapel

Service:  Map to St. Thomas of Villanova Church

Cemetery:  Map to St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery

Obituary provided by Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home