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

---

Source

20248860

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

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

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, Richard Hunt 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)

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

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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

Dedicated: September 12, 2024
on what would have been Richard Hunt’s 89th birthday

---

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

Inside Richard Hunt’s artist studio in Lincoln Park. September 2024. Photo: Honorary Chicago/Linda Zabors

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

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---

Honorary Shel Silverstein WAY

Northwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Wilson Avenue - to the Southwest Corner of North Kimball Avenue and West Leland 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

* Amended July 2024 - changed location of sign

Clifford E. Turner

Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner, PhD. founded Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church in 1982, and Liberty International Network: 8 Liberty Churches, a Christian TV in 2002, and film production - HolyWood Studios. Outreach includes GED support to residents of public housing and citizens returning from incarceration.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Chief Apostle Dr. Clifford E. Turner

South Oakley Avenue between West 79th Street and West 79th Place

 

Approved: October 2023

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham / Beverly View

b. October 13, 1950 in Chicago
d. January 16, 2018. Age 67

near
Liberty Temple Church
2233 W. 79th Street

---

Source

20233907

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4296004533762318

https://libertytemple.org/locations/chicago/

https://libertytemple.org/product-category/cet/

https://www.goldengate-funeralhome.com/obituary/4539971

Anthony Canadeo

Anthony Canadeo played football for the Green Bay Packers, where he was outstanding at rushing the ball down the field, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. He grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and played college football for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs in Colorado where he was known as the “Gray Ghost of Gonzaga” due to his prematurely gray hair. After retiring from the Packers after the 1952 season he became a sportscaster for games on WBAY-TV in Green Bay. in 1971 he received at kidney transplant from his son. Anthony lived until the age of 84 in 2003.

Veteran: Army WWII

Alum
Gonzaga University, Colorado
Steinmetz High School, Chicago
Foreman High School, Chicago

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Honorary Anthony Canadeo WAY

West Diversey Avenue between North Oak Park Avenue to North Rutherford Avenue

 

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 36
Alderman: Gilbert Villegas
Neighborhood: Elmwood Park

b. 1919
d. 2003. Age 84

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Source

20231314

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/canadeo-anthony-robert-tony

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

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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/

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

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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

Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr.

Louis Fitzgerald was a life-long civic servant in Chicago. Regional Director of the Midwest Division for the US Department of Labor. He also served on the Chatham Avalon Community Council. Louis was a talk show host of “Conversation Peace” on Channel 26. He also hosted talk radio shows on WIND and WVON.

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Louis Albert Fitzgerald, Jr. Way

Honore Street, from South 84th Street to South 86th Street

 

Approved: April 2022

Ward: 21
Alderman: Brookins
Neighborhood: Auburn Gresham

b. January 26, 1929 in Chicago
d.

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Source

2022912

Dwain P Williams

Dwain Williams was a 26 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. In 1992 he served as an Emergency Medical Technician to Engine 122 and later as a Fire Academy instructor in hazardous incidents and terrorist response. In 2018 he retired having achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He also worked in the Office of Emergency Management and Communication as a Watch Officer.

Prior to his time in the Chicago Fire Department, he served in the Army in international locations and in the Reserves as a Wire Systems Installer and Operator and at the 501st Signal Battalion and the 101st Airborne Assault Division. He was a decorated soldier and was an expert sharpshooter and hand grenade expert.

Dwain was intellectually curious and deeply knowledgeable. He earned four degrees and more than 80 certifications in professional and independent studies. He also had a passion for basketball, music and chess. He was a guitarist and went by the stage name “D-Sharp” with RAM Band and Mixed Nutz.

He taught computers and physical education at St. Phillip Neri School

Mentored at risk youth and athletics at the Chicago Park District

Listed in Who’s Who of Outstanding Young Americans

Veteran: Army. Active Duty 1976, Army Reserves
American Legion - George Giles Post #87

Alumnus:
Additional degrees and certifications
Harper High School
Altgeld Elementary School

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Honorary Lt. Dwain P. Williams Way

South Peoria Street, between 95th Street and 98th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 34 and 21
Alderman: Austin and Brookins
Neighborhood: Longwood Manor

b. April 19, 1955
d. December 3, 2020. Age 65

---

Source

2022255,181

Lerone Bennett, Jr.

Lerone Bennett, Jr. was an author and social historian with a specialty in race relations and civil rights. He served for many years as the Executive Editor of Ebony Magazine; he began his career with Johnson Publishing as the City Editor of JET Magazine. His career in journalism began at the age of twelve at the black-owned newspaper The Mississippi Enterprise. After college he worked for the Atlanta Daily World.

His first book was Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America 1619-1962. In 1978 he received the American Academy Arts and Letters, Literature Award. In 1954 he published an article about the children of Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings; which was verified decades later using DNA evidence.

He was a visiting professor at Northwestern University. Lerone graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1949, where he was classmates with Martin Luther King, Jr. Bennett interviewed King about the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, and in 1964 wrote What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King.

Veteran: Army. Korean War

Alumnus:
Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia
Lanier High School

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Honorary Lerone Bennett, Jr. Parkway

South Chicago Beach Drive from East 48th Street to East 49th Street

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 4
Alderman: King
Neighborhood: Kenwood

b. October 17, 1928. Mississippi
d. February 14, 2018. age 89. Chicago

---

Source

https://aaregistry.org/story/lerone-bennett-jr-a-classical-author/

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

2022385

Dr. Lester Fisher

Dr. Lester Fisher was the first veterinarian and director of the Lincoln Park Zoo from 1962 to 1992. He led the zoo to become a leading institution in Chicago and among zoos around the world. Under his leadership the zoo developed habitats, not just cages, for animals. He also led conservation efforts and plans for species survival - he specialized in primates.

Dr Fisher appeared regularly on televisions shows including: Zoo Parade, Bozo’s Circus, and the Ray Rayner Show “Ark in the Park” segment.

Lester Fisher was born in Chicago and served in WWII as a veterinarian; among his duties were treating General Patton’s bull terrier, Willie.

Veteran: WWII. Army

Alumni:
University of Iowa

Autobiography: Dr. Fisher’s Life on the Ark

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Honorary Dr. Lester Fisher Way

Stockton Drive at the Ridge Connecting Drive bridge. Outside the Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. February 24, 1921
d. December 22, 2021. Age 100

---

Source

Ed Negron

Ed Negron was a former writer and photographer for the Windy City Times, activist, and addiction counselor in the LGBTQ community in Chicago. He had also worked in housing at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to reduce homelessness among low-income and recovering populations.

He was an outspoken advocate who mentored for his communities facing drug addiction and trafficking, former gang membership, bisexual, Puerto Rican, and veteran causes; he was a member of all these groups and it was his mission to battle the challenges inherent in these causes.

Ed was the cofounder of Queer Alliance Chicago and he served as a volunteer for many local organizations including: Latin American Men in Action (ALMA), Chicago Task Force on LGBT Substance Use and Abuse, Equality Illinois, and International Mr. Leather (IML).

Chicago LGTB Hall of Fame inductee, 2006, at age 35

Veteran: US Army

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Honorary Ed Negron Way

North Clark Street from West Devon Avenue to West Schreiber Avenue

 

Approved: December 2021

Ward: 40
Alderman: Vasquez
Neighborhood: Edgewater/Rogers Park

d. July 23, 2021. Age 50.

International Mr. Leather
6410 North Clark Street

---

Source

GoPride

Windy City Times

https://www.youtube.com/user/ednpride/videos

Bruno Roti

Bruno Roti was the owner of Bruno’s Lounge in Rogers Park which he started in 1956. It is a long time half-bar, half-liquor store in the vicinity Loyola University, and well known by students and local residents. Bruno moved to the neighborhood when he was 10, and stayed and raised his own family and ran the bar 7-days a week from early morning to late night. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Bruno. They visited him after they moved away. He was always there to help. When he retired his son took over the bar, and he still spent his time there.

Education:
Loyola Academy
St. Ignatius

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Bruno Roti Way

Sheridan between Albion and Loyola

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 49
Alderman: Hadden
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

d. Age 87

Bruno & Tim’s Lounge
6562 N. Sheridan Road

---

https://chibarproject.com/reviews/brunotims/

Timuel Black

Timuel Black was a black historian, professor, Civil Rights activist who lived on the South Side of Chicago and lived to be 102 years old.

His family moved to Chicago from Birmingham, Alabama when he was a year old; they were fleeing racial segregation and seeking better education for their children.

Timuel Black helped organize more than 2,500 Chicagoans to attend the Martin Luther King March on Washington. He also worked on the campaign that elected Chicago’s first black Mayor, Harold Washington.

As a soldier in WWII, he was moved by the atrocities he saw in Europe as a result of the Nazi regime; he dedicated his life to civil rights.

He was on the faculty at City Colleges of Chicago

Timuel Black is the author of several books, including: Bridges of Memory (two volumes) and Sacred Ground

Education:

University of Chicago

Roosevelt University

DuSable High School

Wendell Phillips High School

Englewood High School

Burke Elementary

Veteran: WWII, Army. Europe - Invasion of Normandy and Battle of the Bulge

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Photo Credit: CC0 Timuel Black

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Honorary Timuel Black Way

4800 to 5000 South State Street

 

Approved: November 2012

Ward: 3
Alderman: Dowell
Neighborhood: Bronzeville

b. December 7, 1918. Birmingham, Alabama
d. October 13, 2021. Age 102. Chicago

---

Source

TheHistoryMakers.org: Biography - Timuel Black

Archbishop Lucius Hall

Lucius Hall was the founded of the First Church of Love and Faith, in Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham Neighborhood in 1980, one year after becoming a minister. Lucius was the Executive Director of the Head Start program at his church. In 2010 he became an Archbishop by the Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, inc. For twenty years (1990-2010) he was the Executive Director of Chicago Gospel Fest. During the same timeframe, he served as Chairman of City of Chicago Personnel and Human Resources Board under two Chicago Mayors.

Music was a huge part of Lucius’ life and his ministry. As a teenager he was a radio announcer and later the Channel 26 WCIU producer and host of the “Rock of Ages Gospel Hour.” In 1979 he founded the Broadcast Ministries Alliance, and later hosted the groups Cable TV program.

After serving in the US Army he had a thirty year career with the Veterans Administration. He became a minister in 1979 and founded or co-founded several programs and organizations including: one of the first food pantries in his neighborhood, and an international organization of US and West African churches - The First Spiritual Churches of Truth, Inc.

Veteran: Army, Military Police

Born in Chicago

Alumni:
Burke Grade School
DuSable High School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Gospel Outreach Theological Institute. Houston, TX (Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree)

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Honorary Archbishop Lucius Hall

West 79th Street, between South Seeley Avenue and South Hamilton Avenue

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn-Gresham

d. April 2, 2020. Age 87.

The First Church of Love and Faith
2140 West 79th Street

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Source
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Crusader

Leon Lederman

Leon Lederman was a Nobel Prize winning Physicist, for his team discovery of the Muon Neutrino. In 1979 he became the Director of the Fermi National Accelerator Lab and built the Tevatron, the world’s highest-energy particle accelerator. He was a professor at the University of Chicago and at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a board member of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and the Illinois Math and Science Academy

Alumni
Columbia University, PhD Physics
City College of New York, Chemistry

Nobel Prize 1988

Veteran: U.S. Army, WWII, 2nd Lieutenant, Signal Corp

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Honorary Leon Lederman Way

33rd Street from State Street to LaSalle Street

 

Approved: October 2020

Ward: 3
Alderman: Dowell
Neighborhood: IIT

b. July 15, 1922. New York City
d. October 3, 2018. Age 96. Idaho

Near
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

---

Source

WTTW

Chicago Tribune

C2ST

Fermilab

Harold A. Bezazian Way

Harold Arsene Bezazian was born and raised in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood to Armenian immigrant parents. He was a journalist for the Chicago Times and publicity manager for the Chicago Auto Club. Following the attach on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the military to fight in WWII. He died, while leading a rescue mission in the Philippines.

The Harold Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library was dedicated in 1957 as a memorial from his father.

Alumni
Senn High School
Oberlin College
Columbia University, Journalism

Veteran: Army, WWII, europe, Philippines. Purple Heart, Bronze Star

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Honorary Lt. Harold A. Bezazian Way

1226 West Ainslie

 

Approved: 2018

Ward: 46
Alderman: Cappleman
Neighborhood: Uptown

b. Chicago
d: March 11, 1945. Age 33. WWII Philippines

Near
Harold Bezazian Branch, Chicago Public Library
1226 West Ainsley

---

Source

Columbia

Uptown Update

Patch

Major Gary Hughes

Gary G. Hughes was a Chicago Police Officer for 19 years, and a Major in the U.S. Army active duty and reserves since the age of 20.

Veteran: U..S Army, Major. Panama, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan

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Honorary Gary Hughes Way

South Natchez Avenue, from West 61st Street to West 63rd Street

 

Approved: May 2018

Ward: 13
Alderman: Quinn
Neighborhood: Clearing

b. November 30, 1967
d. February 28, 2018. Age 50. Cancer

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Source

Honor A Hero Project

Irma and Willie Pickens Way

Willie Pickens was a famous Chicago Jazz Pianist. His wife Irma, was his producer.

He taught music theory and performance throughout his career including: a collaboration between public high schools and Ravinia, and at Northern Illinois University.

Other collaborations included major Jazz Festivals around the world, the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, and the Willie Pickens Trio.

YouTube playlist: Willie Pickens. Honorary Chicago channel

Willie - Alumni
Milwaukee Conservatory of Music
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Veteran: U.S. Army, Army band -Clarinet

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Honorary Irma and Willie Pickens Way

5600 S. Kimbark Avenue

Approved: 2018

 

Ward: 5
Alderman: Hairston
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Dedicated: December 2, 2018

Willie
b. 1931. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
d. December 2017. Age 86

Irma
d. 2015

Near
Their residence for more than 40 years

Mural of Willie Pickens by artist Desi Mundo, between the auditorium doors of Ray School
5631 S. Kimbark Avenue

---

Source

Hyde Park Historical Society

YouTube playlist - Willie Pickens

SPC Henry Mayfield, Jr. Way

Army Specialist Henry “Mitch” Mayfield, Jr., from south suburban Hazel Crest, was killed in the line of duty during an al-Shabab militant group attack on Manda Bay Airfield, a U.S. base in Kenya, which killed two others and damaged six aircraft. He served as part of field operations for Operation Octave Shield, which carried out intelligence gathering and air strikes on Somalia.

Mayfield was a dynamic soldier who inspired those he served with to excel both on and off duty. The 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group will miss his leadership and camaraderie.

- Col. William Garber

Alumni:
Hillcrest High School
Northern Illinois University

Veteran: Army SPC, died serving in Kenya in 2020. Operation Octave Shield

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Honorary SPC Henry Mayfield, Jr. Way

5500 block of S. Laflin

 

Approved: June 2020

Ward: 16
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. October 14, 1996
d. January 5, 2020
Age 23.

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Source