City Mourns Public Works Employee Who Kept 198-Vehicle Fleet Up and Running

GENEVA, IL - City officials are fondly remembering fleet maintenance supervisor Gary Paris who died unexpectedly at the age of 6o at his home in Maple Park.

Pari had been employed by the city for 29 years in Geneva’s Public Works Department. He spent the past 12 years overseeing and maintaining the municipality’s entire 198-vehicle and equipment, according to a news release. Those vehicles and equipment served all departments within the city.

“Gary was one of the hidden assets of the city. He worked to ensure there was never a piece of equipment out of service that we needed to get the job done,” Public Works Director Rich Babica said. “When 15 out of 15 snow plows are ready to do the job time in and time out, that meant the world to us. He added a great deal of stability to the city by keeping our vehicles running to meet the needs of the public, and his expertise will be greatly missed.”

Hired in 1988, Paris began his employment with the city as a Maintenance Department Mechanic. He was promoted twice, first to Chief Mechanic in 1994 and later to Fleet Maintenance Supervisor in 2006. Paris also was ASE-certified as a Master Automobile Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Besides vehicle maintenance, Paris also serviced the backup power generators at city hall, the police department, public works and the city’s water utility.

Prior to joining Geneva, Paris worked as an auto mechanic at the Batavia Citgo and Batavia Standard stations. City leaders are reaching out to the Paris family to provide them with any assistance they may need.

The city also has arranged for grief counselors to be available for employees to help cope with this difficult news, according to a news release.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The city of Geneva flag will continue to fly at half-staff in remembrance of Paris.