With heavy hearts, the Fry family announces the untimely passing of Caleb Joseph Fry, who departed this life for his eternal home on September 5, 2025, at the age of 20. Born December 29, 2004, Caleb grew up in Joliet, Illinois, and more recently lived in Lockport, where he left behind memories filled with laughter, love, and an endless curiosity about the world.
A Childhood of Wonder and Mischief
The beloved son of Tom and Helen (Malone) Fry, Caleb was the treasured younger brother of Joshua (Katie), Matthew, and Robbie, and the protective older brother to Ethan, Daniel, and Seth.
Proudly calling himself the “middlest” of the Fry boys, Caleb thrived in the joyful energy of his large family. From a young age, he was adventurous, mischievous, and brimming with curiosity — always eager to test boundaries and discover new experiences.
He attended Thomas Jefferson Grade School, Hufford Junior High, and Joliet West High School, where he built friendships that endured through the years. Known for his quick wit, dimpled smile, and kind spirit, he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Caleb’s sense of individuality showed in his fashion choices — often changing outfits several times a day — and in the creative hairstyles that became his signature.
Creativity and Curiosity
Caleb possessed both a poet’s soul and a mechanic’s ingenuity. He had a passion for capturing sunsets through photography, writing poetry that reflected his thoughts, and tinkering with machines to uncover how they worked.
His hobbies were as varied as his talents. He was a skilled woodworker, fisherman, climber, and photographer, as well as a Pokémon enthusiast and devoted animal lover. Each new interest spoke to his adventurous spirit and his constant search for beauty and meaning in everyday life.
A Passion for Automobiles
Of all his pursuits, Caleb’s greatest passion was cars. He honed his mechanical skills working at Belle Tire in Joliet, Rush Truck Centers in Carol Stream, and Marvin’s Motor City in Morris, where he gained not only valuable experience but also lifelong friendships.
Recently, he achieved a dream by co-founding VC Driven Autoworks in Joliet with his close friend Victor Flores. His remarkable work ethic and undeniable talent earned him the admiration of his brothers, who spoke with pride of his accomplishments.
Cherished by Family and Friends
Caleb’s life touched many. He is survived by his devoted parents, loving siblings and sister-in-law, his nephew Wilder Fry, and his cherished grandmothers, Ann Malone and Judy Homan. He also leaves behind the love of his life, Gray Perez, and his “second family,” the Locastos, along with a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who adored his humor, creativity, and loyalty.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Robert “Bob” Homan and Gerard “Jerry” Malone.
Honoring His Memory
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home in Plainfield, and again Thursday, September 11, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Shorewood. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m., with private interment afterward.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Jed Foundation, an organization committed to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among young people.