Ella French

Ella French was a Chicago Police officer who died in the line of duty after she and another officer were fired upon by suspects during a traffic stop. Her fellow officer was critically wounded. The shooter was caught and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

She had served the Chicago Police Department for three years. Officer French was a member of the Community Safety Team for the Chicago Police Department and had previously been a corrections officer.

Ella was described as a person of great integrity and great enthusiasm by friends, family, and colleagues. She had recently purchased a home in the Parkview neithborhood after living several years in the Galewood neighborhood.

With the support of donors and family members the Ella French Scholarship program was established to benefit the children of current or retired employees of the Chicago Police Department.

Alumni
Community High School District 99, Downers Grove, IL
North High School

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Honorary Officer Ella French Way

South California Street between 26th Street and 28th Street

 

Approved: May 2025

Ward: 24
Alderman: Monique Scott
Neighborhood: Little Village/South Lawndale

d. August 7, 2021. Age 29

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Source

202516099

https://www.odmp.org/officer/25407-police-officer-ella-grace-french

https://www.chicagopolicefoundation.org/ellafrenchscholarship

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/who-was-officer-ella-french-what-we-know-about-the-officer-killed-in-the-line-of-duty/2585953/

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/slain-chicago-police-officer-ella-french-wanted-to-do-good-for-the-world-brother-says

Police Officer Ella French memorial. https://youtu.be/DbaGUxYjzv4?si=smcGM-6THir43Nvm

Bob Newhart

George Robert (Bob) Newhart had a famous television comedy show (1972-1978) which was based in Chicago; the opening credits featured Chicago sites. The Bob Newhart Show followed the daily life and foibles of a friendly psychotherapist named Bob Hartley, and his wife, friends, neighbors, and clients.

Bob Newhart grew up on the west side of Chicago. Chicago is where he developed the comic style which made him famous - a stammering conversational monologue. He performed at Chicago’s legendary variety venue - Mr. Kelly’s.

The Grammy Award winning album which launched his fame in 1960 is “The Buttoned-Down Mind of Bob Newhart.”

His other works include the television show Newhart, many appearances on the Johnny Carson show, The David Letterman Show, The Conan O-Brien Show, Saturday Night Live, What’s My Line, Hollywood Squares, The Big Bang Theory (2013) - for which he won an Emmy Award, and the movie Elf (2003). In 2002 he was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Bob Newhart’s book is called “I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This.”

Alumni
Loyola University Chicago
St. Ignatius College Prep
St. Catherine of Siena Grammar School in Oak Park, IL

Veteran: Army 1952-1954

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Honorary Bob Newhart Way

5800 to 5930 N Sheridan Road

 

Approved: March 2025

Ward: 48
Alderman: Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
Neighborhood: Edgewater

b. September 5, 1929 in Oak Park, IL
d. July 18, 2024. Age 94 in Los Angeles, CA

Near the Thorndale Beach North Condominium building at 5901 N. Sheridan Road, which was featured in The Bob Newhart Show as the residence of the main character.

There is also a statue of Bob Newhart, as the Bob Hartley psychologist character, located at Navy Pier.

Note: 10 Signs Named Bob is no longer available on the Vamonde app

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Source

202515657

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/13/edgewater-block-dubbed-honorary-bob-newhart-way/

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

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/18/791345695/bob-newhart-dead

IMDB. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0627878/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

The Buttoned-Down Mind of Bob Newhart https://youtu.be/0MKtaWypdrs?si=A_0Y_XYw3QShYOim

The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back
https://youtu.be/K22qu730Rpk?si=Mk0aBncQvqtRv6lv

Interview about the Buttoned-down Mind
https://youtu.be/fEU9ro9t2BY?si=o9WOZ11YBdLPIdVI

Air Traffic Control Skit
https://youtu.be/hGZ3oVi1sUs?si=jAX5Ud7LqIZTll-E

Witch Doctor Skit
https://youtu.be/3wRrtcugEXI?si=xVEvl_t99v7bivO8

https://youtu.be/OxDxFLswHek?si=usz-ZolebLJxmZS-

James W. Southward Sr.

James W. Southward Sr.

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Honorary James W. Southward Sr. Way

Southwest corner of west monroe Street and South washtenaw Avenue

 

Approved: July 2024

Ward: 27
Alderman: Walter Burnett, Jr
Neighborhood: Garfield Park

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Source

202410061

Leo Louchios

Leo Louchios was the founder of the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation. He also served as a Senior Advisor at the State of Illinois to the Secretary of State Office.

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Honorary Leo Louchios Way

North Halsted Street between West Van Buren Street and West Adams street

 

Approved: July 2024

Ward: 34
Alderman: Bill Conway
Neighborhood: West Loop

b. December 10, 1956 in Cyprus
d. August 3, 2023. Age 66

Dedicated: September 5, 2024
for the opening of the Taste of Greektown Festival

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Source

202410008

https://www.colonialfuneral.com/obituaries/Leo-C-Louchios?obId=28622051

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2023/8/9/23826233/leo-louchios-greektown-adviser-jesse-white-alexi-giannoulias

James B. Lemons

James B. Lemons was the owner of Lem’s Bar-B-Q, famous for Mississippi style, open pit, slow cooked pork rib tips. The restaurant was established by his older brothers, Bruce and Myles Lemons, in the 195o’s and has been serving Chicago for more than 70 years.

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Honorary James B. Lemons Way

East 75th Street, between South Prairie Avenue and South Calumet Avenue

 

Approved:July 2024

Ward: 06
Alderman: William Hall
Neighborhood: Grand Crossing

d. Age 87

Near
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
311 S. 75th Street

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Source

20249802

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/6/24/18398334/chicago-bbq-king-james-b-lemons-a-founder-of-lem-s-dies-at-87

https://youtu.be/rN7T3YUljwA?si=4u-dNtuGhn6qrSu4

https://chicago.eater.com/2015/12/15/10232066/james-lemons-lems-bbq-dead

https://www.southernfoodways.org/interview/lems-bar-b-q/

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151215/chatham/james-lemons-bbq-master-behind-lems-bar-b-q-chatham-dies/

http://lemsque.com/

Ronald "Topper" Topczewski

Ronald C. “Topper” Topczewski was a former President of the Polish American Police Association (PAPA). He joined the Chicago police force in 1962 and enjoyed a 32 year career. He served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965. In retirement he worked for Taft High School.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Ronald “Topper” Topczewski Way

location
4500 North Mulligan avenue from West Eastwood Avenue to WEst Sunnyside Avenue

 

Approved: July 2024

Ward: 38
Alderman: Nicholas Sposato
Neighborhood: Jefferson Park

b. August 18, 1939
d. December 23, 2023. Age 84

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Source

20248860

https://www.skajafuneralhomes.com/obituary/ronald-topper-topczewski

https://youtu.be/YRaXkSoOJRk?si=hCSeTldhZzYNTOME

Fernando DeLeon

Fernando Miguel DeLeon grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was a member of the musical group “Los Perdidos” which had one of it’s songs featured in the Chicago film “Go For It.”

Alumni:
Kelvin Park High School
Funston Elementary

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Honorary Fernando DeLeon Way

North Meade Avenue, from West Fullerton Avenue to West Grand Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Belmont Craigin

b. April 12, 1986 in Puerto Rico
d.May 30, 2020 age 34 in Chicago

near
His home

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Source

20249457

William "Bill" J. Kress

Bill Kress grew up in South Chicago and worked on the deep tunnel project and for the City of Chicago Department of Environmental Control, and at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was also a little league baseball coach.

Alum
Mendel High School
St Pat’s Grammar School

Veteran: Air Force, served in Vietnam

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Honorary William J. Kress “Bill” Way

South 110th and Mackinaw Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 10
Alderman: Peter Chico
Neighborhood: East Side

b. September 21, 1948
d. December 20, 2023. Age 75.

near
Sports fields where he coached

He is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery

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Source

20249167

https://elmwoodchapel.com/visit-info/obituary.php?id=5631

John E. Swearingen

John Swearengen was the CEO and Chairman of the Standard Oil Company (of Indiana) from 1960-1983. He turned the struggling company into a profitable venture in oil exploration. He was frequently quoted as a leading member of the petroleum industry. He started out in the company research center in Whiting, Indiana, which produced aviation fuel during WWII. The Engineering Center at his alma mater, University of South Carolina, is named for him. In retirement, he helped turn around financial institutions during the banking crisis of the 1980s.

He also had the Standard Oil building (currently AON Center) built in Chicago. The company was later acquired, and the name of the company (and the building) changed to BP-Amoco.

Alumni:
Carnegie Mellon University
University of South Carolina. Phi Beta Kappa

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Honorary John E. Swearingen Way

North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph (Upper)

 

Approved:

Neighborhood: Michigan Avenue

b. September 7, 1918
d. September 14, 2007. Age 89

near
Standard Oil Building (Aon Center)
200 E. Randolph

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Source

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/09/17/john-e-swearingen-1918-2007/

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/18/business/18swearingen.html

https://www.nae.edu/19579/19581/51314/300179/305149/JOHN-E-SWEARINGEN-19182007

https://www.hbs.edu/leadership/20th-century-leaders/details?profile=john_e_swearingen

https://app.adoraexperiences.com/university-of-south-carolina/general-campus-tour---driving/swearingen-engineering-center/

Edna M. Pearce

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Honorary EDNA M. PEARCE Way

Southwest corner of West Washington Street and North Hermitage Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 27
Alderman: Walter Burnett, Jr.
Neighborhood:Smith Park/West Loop

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Source

20249193

Verlean Perkins

Verlean Perkins was a dedicated member of her community, education, and children. She wasa life long Chicagoan. For 30 years Verlean worked for the Board of Education and was a 15 year contributor to the summer food programs, and a dependable poll worker. She was the chairperson and 20 year volunteer of the Chicago Academic Games League.

She was a “mom” to the neighborhood children and was known as the “Apple Woman” to all who lived near her.

Alumni:
Chicago Public Schools

Member of the Apostolic Church of God

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Honorary Verlean Perkins Avenue

6100-6246 South Wabash Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 20
Alderman: Jeannette Taylor
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

b. April 9, 1934 in Chicago

near
her home

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Source

20249171

Donda West

Dr. Donda West was a professor at Chicago State University for 24 years and the former Chair of the English Department. She was the founder of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing. Donda West was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship. The Dr. Donda West Foundation supports underserved youth and encourages teenagers and young adults to stay in school.

She is author of Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star (2009). Donda is the mother of Kanye West.

Alum
Virginia Union University
Clark Atlanta University
Auburn University

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Honorary Dr. Donda West Way

78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue

 

Approved: June 2024

Ward: 07
Alderman: Gregory Mitchell
Neighborhood: South Shore

b. July 12, 1949
d. November 10, 2007. Age 58.

Near
Her Home

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Source

20249679

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

WBEZ: Keynote Address by Donda West. https://www.wbez.org/2007/10/19/keynote-address-dr-donda-west-on-raising-kanye

Phil Doran Way

Phil Doran, Sr. was a life-long Chicagoan from the Beverly neighborhood. He and his wife met in grade school. He was a lawyer and was active in his community and parish as a committed volunteer and former Chairman of the Board of the Franciscan Outreach.

Alumni:
Christ the King Elementary School and Parish
St. Ignatius High School
John Carroll University
Northwestern University - Law

Born in Chicago

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Honorary Phil Doran Way

South Hamilton Avenue, between West 92nd Street and West 93rd Street

 

Approved: 2020

Ward: 19
Alderman: O’Shea
Neighborhood: Beverly

b. November 6, 1940. Chicago
d. September 18, 2020. Age 79.

Near
Christ the King Church

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Source

Beverly Review

Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

Henry Coleman and his brother George started the Coleman Barbecue restaurant to bring real southern cooking to Chicago. In the beginning, Henry worked full-time at Brach’s Candy Company in addition to the restaurant. They grew the single location into 4 restaurants in Austin and Maywood, only two still remain. Henry’s children have kept the restaurant going.

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Honorary Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

West Chicago Avenue from North Menard Avenue to North Waller Avenue

 

Approved: May 2018

Ward: 29
Alderman: Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

b. October 30, 1943. Dermott, Arkansas
d. August 15, 2012. Age 68

Near
Coleman’s BBQ #2
5820 W. Chicago Avenue

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Source

Gus and June Travlos Way

Costas (Gus) and Anastasia June Travlos were long time residents of the Edgewater neighborhood, they were also the co-founders of the Edgewater Development Company and worked to improve the lives of their neighbors and spearheaded the revitalization of Bryn Mawr as a Historic District. Gus was born in Greece, they moved to Edgewater in 1964.

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Honorary Gus and June Travlos Way

1000 West Bryn Mawr Avenue between North Broadway and North Winthrop Avenue

 

Approved: June 2018

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

June
d. November 1, 2016. Age 91

Gus
d. 2005. Age 70

Near
Edgewater Development Corporation
1055 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue

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Source

Source

Chicago Public Art Group

James "Jimmy" Tavolino Way

Honorary James “Jimmy” Tavolino Way

South Carpenter Street from West Vernon Park Place to West Cabrini Street

 

Approved: May 2018
Ward: 25
Alderman: Solis
Neighborhood: Little Italy

b. September 29, 1980
d. September 3, 2017. Age 36

Near
Pompei Bakery
1531 W. Taylor Street

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Source

Ramona Rouse Way

Ramona Marquitta Rouse owned and operated the Salon Pastiche in the Rogers Park neighborhood for 23 years. She supported local artists through Sungold Pastiche, the Roman Susan Art Foundation has a tribute art installation at the salon. Ramona was born in Chicago in the Old Town neighborhood, and grew up in in the early scattered site public housing integrated in Lincoln Square. She easily befriended her customers and neighbors and was well regarded in the community.

Alumni
Immaculate Conception Grammar School
Lincoln Park High School
National Lewis University
Pivot Point Academy

Dignity Memorial: Tribute video

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Honorary Ramona Rouse Way

Loyola Avenue between Sheridan Road and Glenwood Avenue

 

Approved: September 2020

Ward: 49
Alderman: Haddon
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

b. September 15. Chicago
d. January 4, 2020. Chicago

Near
Salon Pastiche 1226 W. Loyola Avenue

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Source

Joseph Muntaner Way

Joseph Muntaner was a construction contractor and super volunteer to the 1st Ward and his church, St. Bonaventure. He was very dedicated and loyal and took his work very seriously, whether it was shoveling snow or removing graffiti.

Alumni:
Mather High School

Born in Chicago

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Honorary Joseph Muntaner Way

West Diversey between North Leavitt Street and Western Avenue

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 1
Alderman: Moreno
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. August 19, 1958. Chicago
d. May 14, 2017. Chicago

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Source

Joseph Muntaner

Eugene Lang Way

Eugene Lang founded Lang Exteriors in 1953; he built and installed windows and doors. His son Darb Lang succeeded him in the business. While serving in WWII Eugene invented the T-Wrench for setting the depth and speed of a torpedo.

Veteran: WWII

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Honorary Eugene Lang Way

West 59th Street between Western Avenue and Oakley Avenue

 

Approved: April 2018

Ward: 16
Alderman: Foulkes
Neighborhood: Marquette Park

d: age 78.

Near
Lang Exteriors, Inc. headquarters
2323 W 59th Street

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Source

Eugene J. Lang

Father Martin E. O'Donovan Way

Father Martin O’Donovan grew up in the St. Cristiana parish and he served as Pastor there for 15 years. He was ordained at Mundelein in 1978 and currently serves the Saints, Faith, Hope, & Charity Catholic Church in Winnetka. Previously he led the Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bridgeport. Father Marty, as he is known, has touched the lives of several parishes in the Chicago area. He has guided his parishioners through times of scandal in the Church

Alumni
Quigley Prep
Niles Seminary

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Honorary Father Martin E. O’Donovan Way

111th and Homan Avenue

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Mt. Greenwood

Near
St Christiana’s Church
11005 S. Homan Avenue

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Source