Long empty school hallway ready for students to come back to school


A committed custodian is retiring after nearly three decades of service.

Gabriel Angel started his janitorial career in 1997 at Prospect School, Clarendon Hills, Illinois. Now 61 years old, he is leaving behind beloved staff, students, and community to shift his focus on family. Although he has enjoyed caring for the school grounds and facilities, he looks forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren in retirement.

In an article about Angel’s custodial tenure, Director of Buildings and Grounds Mike Duggan shared about the impact Angel has made in creating safe and healthy environments. Having worked alongside Angel throughout his leadership, he describes him as a positive individual who goes the extra mile to make the school a welcoming space for all.

For Angel, his ambition has always been to make Prospect a second home for building occupants. Over the years, he has embraced industry changes to best address building needs. In a Chicago Tribune story, Angel shares how sustainability initiatives have enhanced cleaning operations. For instance, floor care shifted from annual stripping and waxing to daily cleaning, making the task more time efficient.

Although he is best known for his work as head custodian, he worked for another District 181 school—Oak School, Hinsdale, Illinois—through an outside company prior to being hired by the district. While his absence will be missed, Angel’s “second family” is celebrating his retirement.