Doorperson of the Month: Gilroy Aranda, Water Tower Residences, 180 E. Pearson St.

It’s been a fantastic 23 years for Gilroy Aranda at Water Tower Residences. Gilroy is a gracious and enthusiastic recipient. To say the staff and management are thrilled would be an understatement. To say the residents are joyous would also be an understatement.

“I love my job and am excited to come to work every day. It’s not everyone that can boast to have been Oprah Winfrey’s doorperson for 15 years before she moved.”

Water Tower Residences, a condominium building, dates back to 1976. It is attached to Water Tower Place and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. “Residents can use all of the amenities at the Ritz, and one of many reasons it’s so cool to work here is because we see celebrities and sports stars pretty frequently.”

Gilroy landed as a doorperson after working in customer service for Trader Joe’s. “I’m the Lead Doorman, and manage our team of doors people. I’ve happily dedicated my life to one of service.” 

Gilroy was born in Belize, and came to Chicagoland with his family in 1973. A major bump in the road was losing his parents within a few months of one another, and soon after suffering from Bell’s palsy. Needless to say, he’s come through all of these challenges like a champ.

He resides in Portage Park with his wife, Anna, and they share two daughters, Maggie and Kathy, son Giovanni, and six grandkids. “I travel to Belize to see my brother, Clifford, each year. I also enjoy traveling to the Dominican Republic and Florida.”

“Some of our residents have returned for the summer from the likes of California, Arizona, and Florida. They are a little nervous about the predicted chaos surrounding  NASCAR and the Democratic National Convention.”

With the busy summer looming, Gilroy’s happy place is his backyard and the quiet serenity it offers. Smiling, he shares pictures of the space and its beautiful plantings. One of his hobbies is deejaying events like his annual high school picnic and summer block party.

The residents are a mix of newbies and tenants he’s known for decades. “They know they can count on me. I’m blessed to have this job with the complete support of the residents, staff, and management.”

It’s no wonder Oprah provided Gilroy with many tickets for her shows, and always took Gilroy and his family backstage afterwards. Just like everyone at Water Tower Residences, she appreciates Gilroy. 

To nominate your favorite doorperson, Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.