Joseph Galvin Migely

Winnetka, IL - On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Joseph Galvin Migely, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 88. Born on May 23,1932 to Robert Joseph and Anna Marie Migely of Wayne, IL, he attended Marmion Military Academy and graduated from Dartmouth College and the Tuck School of Business. He had a career in banking that spanned over 60 years including the First National Bank of Chicago (20 years) to President and CEO of the Drovers Bank, the Belmont Bank and finally retiring his seat on the board of the New Buffalo Savings and Loan at the age of 85. He also earned the rank of Major in the Army Reserve. Affectionately known as “Grumps” to family and friends, Joe was never one to mince words, refrain from giving an opinion or avoid a conversation. His captivating stories of tagging fox heads as a child and bringing them to the Kane County Courthouse for $5 to his years as president of his fraternity house and his interaction with so many in the banking world, his life was full of not only lending money, but always lending a helping hand. Dad viewed banking as a way to help the underserved neighborhoods of Chicago. Helping the "little guy" was his true passion.The Ronald McDonald House was also a particularly special project of his as was serving as an alumni interviewer in the Chicago area for Dartmouth. His hand written letters were part of his legacy. A Winnetka resident of almost 60 years, Joe was usually found in his yard mowing, seeding or clipping his precious lawn, washing or waxing cars or forever painting yet another room on weekends. He was a classic do-it- yourselfer and a regular to the hardware store. He spent many years on the tennis courts at Indian Hill Club and was once given the award of “Mr. Hustle” which said so much about his spry and quick approach to the net and to life. He also had a boundless knowledge of Chicago history and could always be relied on for directions anywhere in the city long before Google maps. There is nothing he loved more than a cold beer in a can, a chair in the sun, or playing Gin Rummy or Boggle with his wife, Donna, after mass every morning. Known for his bucket hats and prolific collection of school/college sweatshirts where his children and grandchildren taught or attended, dad was engaged, involved and enjoyed every moment of his long and lovely life. He is survived by his wife of 62 years,Donna (Haider) Migely, children Muffy (Steve) McGurk, Tom (Katie), Stephanie (Dave) Beatty, Peter (Julianne), Jon (Kathy), Genevieve (Jason Abel); grandchildren: Taylor (Stacey) McGurk, Maggie (Jason) Engler, Alex, Kitty, Sam, Elizabeth, Calvin, Lucy, George, Matthew, Jack, Bridget, Eloise, Luke, Lilly, and Asher; great grands: James and Maya; brother, Jim (Jane) Migely, sister, Ann (Jim) Beatty and many, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob. A celebration of Joe’s wonderful life will be held at a later date when so many of his friends and family can be together. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.