Rion A. Goyette, Beloved Downers Grove Resident, Dies At 78

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Rion A. Goyette, 78, of Downers Grove, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023, at his home. A Celebration Mass of Rion’s life will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s of Gostyn church in Downers Grove.

Rion was born on August 15, 1944, in Chicago, IL and was the son of Joseph and Geraldine (Makowski) Goyette.

After an eight-year courtship, he married Diane Petterson on April 19, 1980. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Petterson) Goyette, brother, Raoul Goyette, brother-in-law, Mark (Joy) Petterson, nephew, Matthew Petterson, niece, Amanda (Brian) Henley and nephew, Eric (Tessa) Petterson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A long-time resident of Downers Grove, Rion loved meeting people and had a long career in sales at Pullman Standard, Pitney Bowes, 3M and Erickson & Holl Amusements.

The love of his life was his wife, Diane, and together they shared the passion of Christmas by imparting its spirit. That passion was demonstrated with their sharing of lights, joy and love with the community. They were one of the first homes in the area to exhibit extreme lighting and animation displays at their home in south Downers Grove. Their two-car garage contained a multi-level G-scale train layout and town. Their front windows were lighted and contained animated Christmas figures. Lights outlined the house, fences and trees not to mention a life-sized nativity scene and manger containing the Christ child, which brought tears to many visitors’ eyes.

Cars and busloads of people would come from miles away to see their displays and the kids could also visit with Mr. & Mrs. Santa and were welcomed with a smile, a hug, present and a candy cane. They also served as Mr. & Mrs. Santa for the Village of Downers Grove, participating in the parade and greeting children at Main and Curtiss. Their special gift to the community continued from 1984 to 2014 and is still remembered by many in the community.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Diane for a memorial fund to honor Rion.