For nearly six decades, the Kilbride family has embodied the heart and soul of Chicago Bulls fandom. Affectionately known as “everyone’s grandparents,” Gerry and Judy Kilbride dedicated their lives to sharing the magic of Bulls games with loved ones, inviting friends and family to experience the thrill of NBA action while making every visit unforgettable.
When the Chicago Bulls first took the court in 1966, Gerry and Judy were right there, cheering from the stands. Soon after, the couple from Kankakee, Illinois, purchased season tickets, cementing their place in the Bulls community. Through their unwavering passion for basketball, the Kilbrides not only connected with the team but also forged bonds within their growing family and wider community—a legacy of love, loyalty, and shared joy that has lasted generations.
This NBA season, the Bulls took a striking step to honor that legacy. The team gifted the Kilbride children a unique piece of Bulls memorabilia: a portion of the “30 Rock” art exhibition displayed at Rockefeller Plaza ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. The exhibit celebrates the return of the NBA on NBC, featuring 30 artist-designed basketballs—dubbed “rocks”—that showcase the distinct identity and culture of each NBA city.
The Bulls’ emblem featured in the exhibit was created by Conrad Javier, a professional illustrator from the Chicago suburbs. Javier has spent his career fusing dynamic artistic sensibilities with a lifelong love of sports, pushing the boundaries of sports media and illustration. His work on the Kilbride “rock” immortalizes both the city’s culture and the family’s enduring devotion to basketball.
Though Gerry and Judy passed away this summer, their spirit lives on through six children, seventeen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren—each inheriting not only the family’s season tickets but also a deep, unwavering passion for the Bulls. The Kilbride descendants continue to celebrate every dunk, buzzer-beater, and victory with the same enthusiasm and joy that their parents and grandparents once did.
Speaking to reporters about the honor, Gerry was visibly emotional. “This is truly an unforgettable moment for our family,” he said. “The Bulls didn’t just recognize the Kilbride family legacy—they gave our children a priceless piece of memorabilia that connects us directly to the team’s historic story. It exceeded every expectation, and I know this memory will live in the hearts of our family forever.”
The gesture is more than just a gift; it’s a vivid reminder of how sports can intertwine with family, community, and history. In an era of fleeting headlines, the Kilbride family’s story stands as a timeless testament to dedication, passion, and the enduring power of basketball to unite generations.
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