In the eyes of the world, he was an ordinary guy. He had a wife, three small kids and a job at a local store.

But to Staples Inc., the world’s largest office products company, Gregg Cristofaro was extraordinary. His exemplary existence brought corporate officials to town Feb. 5, when the Willowbrook Staples store was dedicated to the memory of Cristofaro, a former store associate and member of the Willowbrook community.

During the dedication ceremony, Karen Sissons, the store’s general manager, greeted village trustees Paul Schoenbeck and Michael Brown, Village Administrator Phil Modaff, Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce President Ron Isdonas and Executive Director Cheryl Collins, and Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Kiwanis Club Treasurer Don Conklin. Then Sissons introduced Ann and Mario Cristofaro as a plaque honoring their son, Gregg, was hung in the store at 7199 S. Kingery Highway.

“We rarely dedicate a store to an individual because of our high standards,” Sissons said. “However, Gregg demonstrated extraordinary leadership. ... Gregg was a valued member of the Staples Loss Prevention organization. He exemplified Staples’ core values, philosophies and ethics in his personal and professional life.”

Although Cristofaro, 43, died unexpectedly after gall bladder surgery in September 2006, his dedication to his job and devotion to his family served as an inspiration to his co-workers and friends.

At the podium, Staples’ Jim Carroll, who hired Cristofaro, struggled to maintain composure as his hands shook and voice trembled with emotion as he spoke fondly about his former co-worker.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to dedicate this store to Gregg — how nice and how good he was,” he said.

Following Carroll’s remarks, Mario Cristofaro was invited to address the audience.
“One of the important values in life is family. To know that is to know Gregg,” he said. “We had good times and bad times, but Gregg always loved his family. He couldn’t do too much for his family.

“When he grew up, he married and had a family of his own,” Mario Cristofaro added. “He worked in retail, and two of the companies for whom he worked closed. Then Gregg found another family: the Staples family.”

Gregg Cristofaro was a local boy. He grew up in Darien where he and his three siblings attended Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School, formerly known as St. Mary’s. He was an altar server, often assisting the Rev. Al Micka at Mass. He graduated from Montini Catholic High School in Lombard. In memory of his former altar server, Father Al celebrated Cristofaro’s funeral Mass.

“Gregg worked for Staples in Orlando, Fla. He loved his job. They treated him so well there,” Ann Cristofaro said.

Gregg Cristofaro and his wife, Christine, had three children: Adam, 10; Heather, 8; and Ryan, 1 1/2, who currently reside in Florida. His parents remain active parishioners at Our Lady Peace Church.

“Quickly after joining Staples, Gregg partnered with his field teams and managers to provide accessibility, direction, consistency and support,” Sissons said. “He was always willing to take on a special assignment or help identify solutions to a store issue.”  

Staples Inc., which invented the office superstore concept in 1986, operates more than 1,900 stores as well as mail-order catalogues, e-commerce and contract businesses. The world’s largest office products company employs 74,000 associates. Cristofaro’s parents were surprised to learn he was being honored considering the enormity of the Staples staff.

“We are very touched that Staples has dedicated this store to our son. Not very many companies do that anymore. Few companies choose to recognize what good their employees have done,” Ann Cristofaro said.

Similarly, Sissons felt grateful Staples had recognized Gregg’s loyalty and service to the corporation.

“I feel honored that I’m part of the store that is being dedicated to such a fine man,” Sissons added.

The dedication of the Willowbrook Staples store drew a throng of 100 guests who had been invited to enjoy refreshments, demonstrations and free prizes. As part of the unique ribbon-shredding ceremony, Sissons presented Kenan White, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of West Cook Count, with a donation of $1,500. The monetary gift will help the club implement a high-quality, after-school homework assistance program.

To further welcome the community, Staples donated $500 to the Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Kiwanis Club to support the Priority One program, which includes a reading program and provides books for local schools.