Officer James "Jimbo" Svec

James “Jimbo” Svec had served as a police officer in the Chicago Police Department for 20 years when he contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty and died as a result.

---

Honorary Officer James “Jimbo” Svec WAY

South Kolmar Avenue between West 77th Place and West 79th Street

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

b. October 15, 1962
d. December 8, 2021. Age 59

near
his home since 1989

---

Source

20248242

https://odmp.org/officer/26486-police-officer-james-svec

https://memorials.lawnfh.com/james-svec/4799241/

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-police-memorial-honoring-fallen-officers/

https://abc7chicago.com/james-svec-chicago-police-officer-covid-19-south-kolmar-avenue/14662716/

https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/street-named-in-honor-of-cpd-officer-who-died-from-covid-complications/14662716/

Jimmie Earl Storey

Jimmie Earl Storey became the Pastor of Sunrise Baptist Church in 1990 and served there for 32 years. He oversaw the building of their current location in 1997 and added a community center in 2007. He retired from his corporate career in Information Technoloogy in 2013, and pursued ministry full-time.

Alum
Libby Elementary School
Gage Park High School
Illinois Institute of Technology.

---

Honorary Pastor Jimmie Earl Storey WAY

South Central Park Avenue and West Grenshaw Street

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 24
Alderman: Monique Scott
Neighborhood: Homan Square

b. September 15, 1954 in Mississippi
d. August 31, 2023

near
Sunrise Baptist Church
1101 S. Central Park Avenue

---

Source

20248377

http://www.sunrisebaptistchurch.org/pastor-leaders-page

https://everloved.com/life-of/jimmie-storey/obituary/

https://www.smithandthomas.com/obituary/jimmie-storey

Harry J. Fishman

Harris (Harry) Fishman was owner of the largest fabric store in the country in 1958. It was established as a tailoring supply store by his father, Gerson Fishman on Union Street in 1903 after he emigrated from Russia. Harry took over the business in 1926, added fabrics and made it a successful retailer. His son, Jerry, started in the business in 1956.

As of 1991 it is now a fourth-generation family owned store.

---

Honorary Harry J. Fishman WAY

Desplaines Street between Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 28
Alderman: Jason Ervin
Neighborhood: South Loop

near
Fishman’s Fabrics
1101 S. Desplaines

---

Source

2024

https://fishmansfabrics.com/about/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpEWXKvHeZY

https://youtu.be/PnyUL0NtmtE?si=M-KqrRllALdZrjPU

https://youtu.be/ZLjZzcVcbK4?si=hGWrZMLKp7WXJg5e

Samuel Julian Lay

Sam Lay was a R&B and blues singer and drummer. He recorded on Chess Records and performed with such greats as: Muddy Waters, Little Walter, The Original Thunderbirds, Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, and John Lee Hooker.

In 2015 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Jazz Hall of Fame.

---

Honorary Samuel Julian Lay WAY

West Gladys Avenue between South Lavergne Avenue and South Leamington Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 29
Alderman: Chris Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Garfield Park/Austin

b. March 20, 1935
d. January 29, 2022. Age 86.

---

Source

20248335

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/arts/music/sam-lay-dead.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Lay

https://youtu.be/whHiwh8ATLM?si=rDxWZO6zwJjgOupB

https://youtu.be/O9NPR_ueEpE?si=DbAmmKA3RXPLIpc2

Rose Fay Thomas

Rose Fay Thomas, in 1899, established the Anti-Cruelty Society for the protection and care of animals. It was instrumental in providing services and education, and forwarding legislation against the abuse and maltreatment of stray, domestic, and work animals.

The original Small Animal Shelter was established at 1898 North Clark Street in 1904. It ran an animal rescue, ambulance service, and an animal adoption service. This was the first animal care charity in the country. The Anti-Cruelty Society has been at its current location at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street since 1907. Rose Fay Thomas was also responsible for having water troughs installed across the city for horses.

She also established the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her husband was Theodore Thomas, the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Together they produced musical programs for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Her honorary sign was dedicated for the 125th anniversary of the Anti-Cruelty Society.

---

Honorary Rose Fay Thomas WAY

West Grand Avenue from North LaSalle Drive to North Clark Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 42
Alderman: Brendan Reilly
Neighborhood: West Town

b. September 4, 1952 in Vermont
d. April 19, 1929. Age 76 in Massachusetts

near
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle

---

Source

20236444

https://classicchicagomagazine.com/the-woman-who-saved-millions-of-animals/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Fay_Thomas

https://cso.org/experience/article/16552/celebrating-the-anti-cruelty-society-at-125

https://youtu.be/ABqXaO6SOu8?si=2NYShWrRl20mdmVQ

Yolanda Travis Mack

Yolanda Travis Mack was a McDonald’s franchise owner on the South Side of Chicago. In 2007 she acquired the first black owned and operated McDonald’s, originally opened by Herman Petty in 1968. She commissioned a mural on site to honor the original owner.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, she turned her locations in COVID service sites, she also donated masks to a local hospital.

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Honorary Yolanda Travis Mack WAY

South Lake Park Avenue, between East 52nd Street and East 53rd Street

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 04
Alderman: Lamont Robinson
Neighborhood: Kenwood

---

Source

20236364

https://news.yahoo.com/meet-yolanda-travis-owner-operator-145305341.html

https://afrotech.com/first-black-owned-mcdonalds-restaurant

https://youtu.be/FB61h7fc4lw?si=Ny8xumaaf4ORTzqZ

https://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/local-business-owner-engineers-mask-donation-franciscan-health

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yolanda+travis+mack

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso

Andres Vasquez Lasso was a police officer who served on the Chicago Police Department for 5 years when he died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic incident.

He was born in Colombia and came to the US with his family at age 18.

---

Honorary Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso Road

West Marquette Road between South Central Park Avenue and South Hamlin Avenue

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 23
Alderman: Silvana Tabares
Neighborhood: West Lawn

b. Colombia
d. March 1, 2023. Age 32, in Chicago

near
His home

---

Source

20235871

https://www.odmp.org/officer/26629-police-officer-andres-m-vasquez-lasso

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/andres-vasquez-lasso-chicago-police-officer-funeral-service/3090052/

https://www.instagram.com/chicagopolicedepartment/reel/Cq3ViD4g6ix/

https://youtu.be/2Sifjy79MYo?si=WvlXYM-TXXlcqHnc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yr_9V2LS04

Larry (Lawrence) Thurm

Coach Larry Thurm started a baseball league at Bell Park in 1985, which expanded and grew to include Riis Park and Sayre Park and a wide range of age groups.

---

Honorary Coach Larry (Lawrence) Thurm WAY

North Oak Park Avenue from West Barry Avenue to West Wellington Avenue

 

Approved: 2024

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Portage Park

b. September 30, 1935 in Chicago
d. October 29, 2023. Age 88

Near
Bell Park and Riis Park

---

Source

20247707

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/lawrence-thurm-11515218

Ossie Goff Ballew

Ossie Goff was a crossing guard for the Chicago Public Schools for 33 years on the corner of Western and Sunnyside near Welles Park and the Queen of Angels school.

---

Honorary Ossie Goff WAY

West Sunnyside Avenue between North Artesian Avenue and North Claremont Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 47
Alderman: Matthew Martin
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

b. March 26, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky
d. November 15, 2023. Age 72, in Chicago

near
Her post as Crossing Guard

---

Source

20247867

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chicago-il/ossie-ballew-11543081

Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was a famous sculptor who spent his life and career in Chicago. He designed soaring sculptures from metal, many of which are monuments to figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement and African-American history. He has installations of more than 160 public sculptures across the United States. Richard Hunt was the first African-American visual artist to be appointed to the National Council on the Arts (1968, Lyndon B. Johnson).

He grew up in the Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. A defining event in his life was at age 19 when he attended the funeral of his neighbor, Emmitt Till, a 14- year old black teenager from Chicago who was lynched and murdered while visiting Mississippi in 1955. Five years later, while serving in the U.S. Army he was the first African-American to be served at a desegregated lunch counter in Alamo Plaza, Texas.

Richard Hunt has numerous awards and honorary degrees. One of his last sculptures was Book Bird, the first artwork commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center.

Veteran: Army

Alum:
The Art Institute of Chicago
South Side Community Arts Center (SSCAC)

---

A walking tour of select Richard Hunt sculptures in Chicago
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/07/richard-hunt-sculpture-guide

---

Honorary Richard Hunt Place

West Lill Avenue from North Sheffield Avenue to North Racine Avenue

 

Approved: April 2024

Ward: 43
Alderman: Knudsen
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. September 12, 1935 in Chicago
d. December 16, 2023. Age 88.

Near:
Richard Hunt Studio
Lincoln Avenue at Lill Avenue

---

Source

2024

https://www.richardhuntsculptor.com/obituary

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/02/29/remembering-richard-hunt-the-legendary-sculptor-who-inspired-artists-in-chicago-and-beyond/

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2023/december/richard-hunt-passing.html

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was most famous for his children’s books; he was also a cartoonist, a poet, a playwright, and a song writer.

His books include: The Giving Tree (1964), Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), A Light in the Attic (1981), Falling Up (1996), Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book, among others.

He also wrote songs performed by: Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue,” Emmylou Harris “Queen of the Silver Dollar,” and The Irish Rovers “Unicorn Song.” He collaborated on the David Mamet screenplay Things Change (1988).

Shel Silverstein won two Grammy Awards, and was nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (2014), and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002).

WHEN I AM GONE
When I am gone what will you do?
Who will write and draw for you?
Someone smarter—someone new?
Someone better—maybe YOU!

- Shel Silverstein

Veteran: Army. Served in Japan and Korea

Alum:
Theodore Roosevelt High School, Albany Park - Chicago
University of Illinois
Chicago Academy of Fine Arts

---

---

Honorary Shel Silverstein WAY

Northwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Wilson Avenue - to the Southeast Corner of West Wilson Avenue and North St. Louis Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Albany Park

b. September 25, 1930 in Chicago
d. May 10, 1999. Age 67. Key West, Florida

Near:
Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Avenue

---

Source

20247233

https://www.shelsilverstein.com/about-shel/

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/shel-silverstein

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/11/books/shel-silverstein-zany-writer-and-cartoonist-dies-at-67.html

Reverend C. B. Taylor

Reverend Charles B. Taylor was a Baptist minister and the owner of the Taylor Funeral home, which he started in 1963. In 1982 he bought Oak Hill Cemetery Association in Gary, Indiana. The Reverend was driven by mission and entrepreneurial spirit; he made multiple and varied investments in business and faith on the south and west sides of Chicago.

He also started a wide variety of businesses, including: Thrifty Printing (1975), American Monument Company, Atlas Auctioneers, Taylor Coach, and multiple auto sales and rebuilders. Reverend Taylor was also a pilot.

He has decades of civic involvement and service in the Baptist Church, Schools, Masons, Shriners, and the funeral director business.

Reverend Taylor was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and came to Chicago in 1948. He served for 22 years in the Illinois National Guard, where he achieved the rank of First Sergeant.

Veteran: National Guard

Alum;
Prairie State College
Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Jackson State College, Mississippi

---

Honorary Reverend C. B. Taylor WAY

East 78th Street, between South Eberhart Avenue and South Rhodes Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
d. June 30, 2022. Age 93

near C.B. Taylor Funeral Home
63 E. 79th Street

---

Source

20231149

https://www.cbtaylorfuneralhome.com/

Ciro "Tony" Ortez

---

Honorary Ciro "Tony" Ortez WAY

Northeast corner of North Albany Avenue and West Diversey Avenue to the Northwest corner of West Diversey Avenue and North Sacramento Avenue

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 33
Alderman: Rodriguez-Sanchez
Neighborhood: Logan Square

---

Source

2023988

Ernest & Gloria Jenkins

Ernest “Ernie” & Gloria Jenkins were founding members of the Westside Association for Community Action (WACA), a community development corporation since 1973. The group serves the Lawndale neighborhood and provides juvenile justice intervention for at risk youth, and food for families. Ernie was CEO of WACA until 2009

Ernest served in the US Air Force. Ernest and Gloria worked as a consultants in market research and human relations and sensitivity training. Ernest became Executive Director of Programs for West YMCA: Austin and Southside YMCA, and in 1971 joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to organize community self-help groups. He has won numerous awards for his service.

Gloria was a social worker at Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) and led a program for at-risk teenage girls. She was Executive Director of Urban Programs West YMCA and later served various roles at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She served in an advisory capacity for multiple organizations promoting African-Americans and women.

Veteran: Ernest - US Air Force

Alum
Ernest: Aurora University (formerly George Williams College)
Gloria: Governors State University

Faith
Chicago Temple United Methodist Church

---

Honorary Mrs. Ernest & Gloria Jenkins WAY

West Ogden Avenue, between Central Park and Millard Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 24
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

b. Ernest: Dec 30 1929. Mississippi
Gloria: in Chicago

d. Gloria: January 3, 2006
Ernest: January 2, 2018

Near: Westside Association for Community Action (WACA)
3600 W. Ogden

---

Source

2023986
IL-100-SR1294
IL-94-SR0566

https://wacanetwork.org/

Sam Bell

Sam Bell was a long time volunteer for the Midtown Educational Foundation where he tutored students, led successful fundraising efforts, and supported programs and networks for a wide range of populations and interests. He was well known and well regarded and appreciated for the personal support and kindness he showed everyone he met.

Sam died in a bicycle accident. A Ghost Bike has been dedicated in his memory at the crash site

Alum
Eastern Illinois University

---

Honorary Sam Bell WAY

Northwest corner of West Rice Street and North Wood Street

 

Approved: March 2023

Ward: 1
Alderman: LaSpata
Neighborhood: West Town

b. 1978. Galesberg, IL
d. September 8, 2022. Age 44

---

Source

2023983

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/09/13/bicyclist-sam-bell-killed-by-driver-in-river-west-was-a-friend-to-all-and-a-mentor-to-chicago-kids/

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/09/30/ghost-bike-installed-in-river-west-for-sam-bell-bicyclist-killed-on-milwaukee-avenue/

Darius D'Arco Teague

Darius D'Arco Teague served overseas as an Army Automated Logistical Specialist CRS in 2014; he was awarded several medals: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal. Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service.

Darius grew up in Chicago and played football at Al Raby College Prep. He died as a result of gun violence.

Veteran: Army

Alum
John M. Smith Elementary School
Al Raby College Prep
Harold Washington College

---

Honorary Darius D'Arco Teague WAY

South Morgan Street between West 14th Street and West 14th Place

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 25
Alderman: Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: West Loop

b. November 4, 1991 in Chicago
d. October 30, 2021. Age 29

---

Source

2023893

https://gunmemorial.org/2021/10/18/darius-darco-cool-teague

https://abc7chicago.com/darius-teague-chicago-shooting-digital-billboard-crime/11731278/

https://wgntv.com/news/chicagocrime/6-months-after-fatal-shooting-of-chicago-vet-crime-remains-unsolved/

Marge Britton

Marguerite “Marge” Britton was a 1969 founder of the the oldest block club in the Edgewater neighborhood, the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council (LRBC) . Before a career in public relations, she worked for the Lerner Newspaper and Skokie News. She was also a Ward staff member who served during the tenures of 4 Aldermen.

Marge lived her entire life in the neighborhood, and raised her family of 6 children on Magnolia Street.

Alumni
Mundeline College in Rogers Park

---

Honorary Marge Britton WAY

North Magnolia Avenue, between West Balmoral Avenue and West Bryn Mawr Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

d. April 8, 2022. Age 84

---

Source

2023656

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/marguerite-britton-obituary?id=34195862

Felipe "Phil" Ayala

Felipe Ayala was the Director and co-founder of El Centro De La Causa, a social services agency serving the Pilsen neighborhood. El Centro housed and spawned several other community organizations including those for women, education, and athletics. He encouraged kids to stay in school and give back to the community.

Felipe served in Vietnam and trained as an Army Ranger. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff for Cook County, as a Member of the US Commission on Civil Rights, as a Commissioner for the Cook County Hospitals. He was influential in Illinois legislation to change the height requirement for law enforcement so more women and minorities would qualify. He was invited to attend a conference of Latino leaders at the White House by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

Veteran: Army, Vietnam

---

Honorary Felipe “Phil” Ayala WAY

West 17th Street between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 25
Alderman: Byron Sigcho-Lopez
Neighborhood: Pilsen

---

Source

2023627

https://outlet.historicimages.com/products/rsb60831

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/philip-ayala-obituary?id=36273058

Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian

Sylvia Knabjian, a.k.a. Toy, was the proprietor of Bridgeport’s “Mike’s Hotdog Cart” at 32nd and Aberdeen, which her father Michael began.

---

Honorary Sylvia "Toy" Knabjian WAY

West 32nd Place, from South Carpenter Street to South Morgan Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 2004

---

Source

2023262

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html

Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian

Mike’s Hotdog Cart was a hand made, bright yellow, wooden, tin roofed cart at 32nd and Aberdeen in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.

Mike was the namesake founder and operator for 65 years. His daughter, Sylvia, succeeded him in the hot dog and tamale business.

---

Honorary Mike 'The Hot Dog Man' Knabjian Way

West 32nd Place, from South Aberdeen Street to South Carpenter Street

 

Approved: February 2023

Ward: 11
Alderman: Lee
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

d. 1985. Age 84

---

Source
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-11-16-8503190261-story.html
https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/sylvia-knabjian-obituary?id=30132548

20222714
2023261