Oct. 11, 2011

CHICAGO - Joseph J. Gentile, a Loyola University Chicago graduate and benefactor of his alma mater, passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Known as the "Baron of Barrington," Gentile made a name for himself as a Chrysler Plymouth automobile dealer in the Chicago suburb of Barrington, and Loyola's basketball/volleyball facility, Gentile Arena, is named after him.

"The Loyola University Chicago community is saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Gentile, who was an alum, an avid supporter of the Ramblers athletics program, and the namesake of the University's Joseph J. Gentile Arena. We celebrate Joe's passion for life and athletics, as well as his commitment to students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gentile family," said Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., Loyola University Chicago President.

A 1948 graduate of Loyola, Gentile helped make Gentile Arena a reality by graciously committing $3.5 million to cover nearly half of the cost of the facility. A life-long supporter and fan of the Rambler programs, for many years Gentile sponsored the television and radio broadcasts of Loyola basketball games.

Gentile was named the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame Man of the Year in 1990 and earned the Founders Award one year later. In 1995, he was nominated by the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. In addition to his car dealership, Gentile also owned WJJG-AM Radio, and he hosted a weekday show on the station from 7-9 a.m.

With ties to Loyola University Chicago, Gentile was a firm believer in the Jesuit mission of being a person for others. His philanthropic endeavors also included a sizable donation to his high school alma mater, Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

Services are pending.