Neighbors mourn after the DeKalb ‘Christmas Lights Guy’ dies suddenly

In a file photo, Tony Paradowski shows off his "Christmas in the Grove" lights display at 1428 Oak Grove Drive in Decatur. His family solicits donations to the ALS Association of Georgia, with all proceeds going to the organization.

In a file photo, Tony Paradowski shows off his "Christmas in the Grove" lights display at 1428 Oak Grove Drive in Decatur. His family solicits donations to the ALS Association of Georgia, with all proceeds going to the organization.

He called it “Christmas in the Grove,” that time of year when he’d light his house with a wild display necessitating four miles of extension cords and more than 115,000 lights.

Neighbors and others from around metro Atlanta would come see Tony Paradowski's display in the Oak Grove area of DeKalb County. In 2013, Tony and wife Katie won ABC's "Great Light Fight."

People called Tony “The Christmas Light Guy.”

This past Christmas season, he could be found, as usual, tinkering with his massive displays on the lawn. He was happy to see the gawkers and answer the typical question: Actually, the electric bill isn't that bad.

On June 15, Paradowski died suddenly, at age 60. No cause was revealed publicly.

> RELATED: Obituary and funeral information for Tony Paradowski

> RELATED: Read and sign the online guestbook

Tony Paradowski

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Shocked and saddened neighbors looking for a way to honor him quickly knew what they had to do.

Neighbors conducted “Light Up Leafmore,” during which residents of the area, also called Leafmore, were encouraged to turn on lights for Paradowski.

The family is asking for donations to Paradowski’s favorite charity, ALS Association.

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