LOGAN SQUARE—Greg Underhill, 38, the director of retail operations at Revolution Brewing, died of a heart attack on Saturday, friends said.
Jill Hopkins, the co-host of Vocalo 91.1 FM's, The Morning Amp, was a longtime friend and employee of Underhill. She met him when she started at the brewery as a server. She said that fellow employees nicknamed him "Uncle Greg."
"If you came home from school, and your parents weren't home and left your favorite uncle in charge, you knew you were having pancakes for dinner," Hopkins said. "That's how it was if you walked into work and found out that Greg was working."
Underhill, a California native, started with Revolution as general manager of the brewery's Logan Square brewpub. He was eventually promoted to director of retail operations.
Hopkins described Underhill as the "right hand man" of managing partner Josh Deth.
"He kept everyone calm," Hopkins said of Underhill. "At the end of the day, we make beer and we sell beer. He wanted us to have fun."
Many of Underhill's Facebook friends changed their profile picture to Revolution Brewery's logo in honor of him. They also left memories and condolences on Underhill's profile page.
"The best manager I have been privileged to work with. No one will be able to fill your shoes. Life was brighter with your presence around. God speed sir. One love."
"Greg Underhill was a man with an uncanny ability to find the humor in any situation. He was a boss, a friend, and mentor to so many of us and he is gone way too soon. My heart goes out to his family, both blood and bonded through beer. You will be deeply missed my friend."
The brewery and taproom were closed on Sunday.
Due to unforeseen circumstances both the brewpub and taproom will be closed Sunday 4/24. The brewpub will reopen tomorrow.
— Revolution Brewing (@RevBrewChicago) April 24, 2016
Hopkins said Underhill had fun while keeping everyone in line.
"He talked us all off the ledge so many times. He was a goofball who was incredibly responsible," Hopkins said. "We don't know what we are going to do now. He wasn't just our boss. He was our friend."
Underhill is survived by his wife, Kayleigh, and three dogs.
Funeral arrangements are pending, friends said.
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