Windy City Wire, the Bolingbrook, Ill.-based, low-voltage system integrator, is mourning the loss of Kimberly DePaola, the company’s longest-tenured employee and an irreplaceable member of its family. Rich Galgano, CEO of Windy City Wire, shared the news of her unexpected passing on LinkedIn. For over 24 years, DePaola was a guiding light, a fearless leader and an inspiration to everyone privileged to know her.
DePaola began her career with Windy City Wire on July 10, 2000, as the first salesperson the company hired directly out of college. It was the late Dick Galgano, the company’s founder, who first saw her extraordinary potential. With persistence and vision, he convinced DePaola to take a leap of faith and join the then-small low-voltage wire and cable company, operating out of its Hillside, Ill. office. Galgano, in his LinkedIn post, described, that bold decision would go on to shape the future of Windy City Wire in ways no one could have imagined.
From the moment DePaola walked through the door, she brought passion, dedication and a spark that ignited growth and camaraderie throughout the office. Her fearless attitude, unmatched work ethic and remarkable ability to connect with colleagues and clients alike made her a force to be reckoned with. She quickly became an integral part of the company, “executing [the company’s] value proposition flawlessly and always with a smile,” shared Galgano.
Related: AV Industry Mourns Loss of Jeff Kindig
Kimberly DePaola: A Beloved Colleague Who Left a Lasting Legacy
She wasn’t just a talented professional; she was like family, said Galgano. To her coworkers, she was a sister — someone who offered support, guidance and unconditional kindness whenever it was needed. While she mastered the technicalities of sales under the mentorship of others, her innate charisma and empathy were qualities no one could teach. She forged deep, lasting relationships with her customers, ensuring every interaction reflected the company’s values.
On Dec. 8, DePaola passed away unexpectedly due to complications related to a battle with leukemia. “Her passing has left a void that can never be filled. For over 24 years, Kimberly was a cornerstone of Windy City Wire — someone who brought positivity, light, and love to everything she did,” said DePaola. For more than two decades, she brought an infectious positivity to every room she entered and transformed challenges into opportunities with her unrelenting drive.
Though the Windy City Wire family grieves this unimaginable loss, DePaola’s legacy lives on. She taught everyone around her to value time, cherish loved ones and seize every opportunity to make a difference. Her memory inspires those she left behind to carry forward her spirit of resilience, dedication and compassion.
“Kimberly, you were loved beyond measure, and you will be missed more than words can say,” said Galgano.
