Gilbert Harford

Gilbert “Duke” Harford, age 88, of Arlington Heights, formerly of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away on August 2, 2026. He was born on May 13, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Rose (née Uzdrowski) Harford.

Duke spent his career as a telephone technician with Centel in Des Plaines. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who loved hunting, fishing, spending time at his cabin, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

Duke is survived by his children, Avery, Era, Thomas (Michelle), and John (Estelle); his grandchildren, Tara, Christopher (Mirada), Samuel (Melissa), Anna, Jack, and Maxwell; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rafaela “Faye” (née Garcia) Harford; his grandson, Avery Harford Jr.; his sister, Donna Holtz; and his parents.

A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Martyrs Catholic Church, 794 Pearson Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.