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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: Victim

Fernando DeLeon

Linda Zabors

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


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


Source

20249457

Thor O. Soderberg

Linda Zabors

Police Officer Thor Odin Soderberg died in the line of duty during and armed robbery. He had served in the Chicago Police Department for 11 years, since 1999, and was an instructor at the Police Academy. His assailant was injured, arrested, and sentenced to life in prison.

A K-9 statue was dedicated in his honor at the Chicago Police Academy.

His widow established July 7th, the date of his death, as Pay It Forward Day in his honor and to remember him for how he lived, through small daily acts of kindness.

Veteran: Army


Honorary P.O. Thor O. Soderberg CPD WAY

1300 block of West Jackson Boulevard from South Throop Street to South Loomis Street

 

Approved: May 2024

Ward: 38
Alderman: Nicholas Sposato
Neighborhood: West Loop

d. July 7, 2010

near
Chicago Police Training Division


Source

20248859

https://www.odmp.org/officer/20446-police-officer-thor-odin-soderberg

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3278824992160859&set=a.204649096245146&paipv=0&eav=Afb1Pxp2hGc_KQhFJ61KF7sChaV2KGDtayjsdflhBsO__pEDLDjtenLm5mU1rRn2qjg

https://youtu.be/wHsqJAhhbn4?si=60wcwkRrZ8mx1cMa

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/07/07/you-can-honor-slain-police-officer-thor-soderberg-with-small-acts-of-kindness-thursday-widow-says/

https://rememberingthor.com/

Richard P. Haljean

Linda Zabors

Rick Haljean was a retired Police Officer with 27 years of service with the Chicago Police Department, and previously served in the suburb of Harwood Heights. He coached kids in Dunham Park, where he had grown up playing hockey and baseball. He was an active supporter of the animal rescue, Garrido’s Stray Rescue Foundation.

Officer Haljean was a pedestrian victim of a hit and run on the Northwest side of Chicago. The driver later surrendered to police.

Veteran: Marines


Honorary Officer Richard P. Haljean WAY

7200 Block of North Oriole Avenue

 

Approved: March 2024

Ward: 41
Alderman: Anthony Napolitano
Neighborhood: Edison Park


Source

20247336

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/01/24/retired-police-officer-richard-haljean-killed-in-nw-side-hit-and-run-remembered-for-his-big-smile-and-decades-of-service/

https://abc7chicago.com/richard-haljean-edison-park-hit-and-run-charges-chicago-police-officer-killed/11618094/

https://youtu.be/6KX4xAmOcog?si=ai4iiwIBJuJVQsg0

Miguel 'Nene' Padilla, Jr.

Linda Zabors

Miguel “Nene” Padilla, Jr. was the victim of gun violence and a car jacking in Chicago. He had been born with Cerebral Palsy, he graduated from college and worked as an IT analyst.


Honorary Miguel “Nene” Padilla, Jr. WAY

Southeast Corner of West Fullerton Avenue at North Keystone Avenue to North Keystone Avenue

 

Approved: January 2024

Ward: 35
Alderman: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. January 10, 1980
d. October 21, 2021. Age 41 in Chicago

near
where he died


Source

20236055

https://www.alvarezfd.com/obituaries/Miguel-A-Padilla?obId=22771356

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/deadly-logan-square-shootings-connected-wisconsin-shootout/

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso

Linda Zabors

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

Chrys Carvajal

Linda Zabors

Private First Class Chrys Carvajal was a member of the National Guard and an aspiring Police Officer. His live was cut short at the age of 19 as a result of gun violence.

Veteran: National Guard


Honorary PFC Chrys Carvajal WAY

West Grace Street between North Meade Street and North Melvina Street

 

Approved: September 2023

Ward: 38
Alderman: Nicholas Sposato
Neighborhood: Belmont Cragin

d. July 3, 2021. Age 19


Source

20232791

https://news.wttw.com/2022/07/03/family-still-searching-answers-death-19-year-old-national-guardsman

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/07/07/family-of-slain-portage-park-man-raising-money-to-bury-national-guardsman-chrys-will-be-remembered-as-a-hero/

Mateo Zastro

Linda Zabors

Mateo Zastro was 3-years old when his mother’s car was caught in gunfire from a nearby road rage incident. He was the only one of the passengers, including his mother and 3 siblings, who were hit.


Honorary Mateo Zastro WAY

South Kildare Avenue between 6800 and 6900

 

Approved: July 2023

Ward: 23
Alderman: Silvana Tabares
Neighborhood: West Lawn

d. September 30, 2022. Age 3


Source

20231203S

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/04/01/chicago-police-3-year-old-boy-killed-mateo-zastro-grief-unsolved-slaying-city-hall-west-lawn-crime

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/9/30/23381543/3-year-old-boy-shot-killed-west-lawn-drive-by-marquette-kenneth-mateo-zastro-chicago

Areanah M. Preston

Linda Zabors

Officer Areanah M. Preston had been a Chicago Police Officer for 3 years when she was robbed and murdered outside her home as she returned from a shift. She died days before her graduation from Law School; her diploma was received in a special recognition on the stage at graduation by her family.

Alum
Loyola University
Chicago Police Academy


Honorary Officer Areanah M. Preston WAY

South Blackstone Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street

 

Approved: July 2023

Ward: 08
Alderman: Michelle Harris
Neighborhood: Avalon Park

b. June 7, 1998
d. May 6, 2023. Age 24


Source

20231215

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/loved-ones-honor-life-of-fallen-cpd-officer-1-year-after-murder/

https://youtu.be/A4MnwKq1-B0?si=dlsWh2gMPIJude71

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oak-lawn-il/areanah-preston-11283050

Darius D'Arco Teague

Linda Zabors

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/

Amanda Calo

Linda Zabors

Amanda Calo was a preschool teacher at Matthew Gaiiistel Language Academy. She was involved in the Safe Kids Chicago several other initiatives and interests including book and gardening clubs.

Her death was the result of domestic violence; a murder-suicide which made orphans of two children under the age of 5.

Alum:
National Louis University



Honorary Amanda Calo Way

South Ewing Avenue, between East 103rd Street and East 104th Street

 

Approved: January 2023

Ward: 10
Alderman: Garza
Neighborhood: East Side


b. December 21, 1990
d. January 24, 2022. Age 32


Source

20222715 replaced by 20223963

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/family-wrapping-arms-around-children-after-mother-killed-by-isp-trooper-in-murder-suicide/

https://nypost.com/2022/01/27/illinois-state-trooper-killed-wife-who-wanted-a-divorce-in-murder-suicide/

https://people.com/crime/illinois-pre-k-teacher-found-dead-with-state-trooper-husband-in-apparent-murder-suicide/

Benji Wilson

Linda Zabors

Benji Wilson was a high school basketball team captain of the Simeon Wolverines, who died as the result of gun violence. He was a very talented player. By sophomore year he had already made the varsity team. In 1984, his senior year, he was ranked the top high school player in the country and anticipated scholarships from multiple universities.

His jersey number was 25. In his honor this number was worn by his teammate, Nick Anderson when he attended University of Illinois, by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, and by Brandon Sherrod Wilson, Benji’s son who was 10 weeks old when his father died.

Two documentaries have been filmed about his life and death: 2012 Benji, which premiered on ESPN; 2020 Two Sides of the Gun: A Story of Reconciliation. The 2020 film included the fulfillment of the dying wish of his mother, for her family and surviving sons to publicly forgive the murderer.

Alum:
Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School



Honorary Benji Wilson Way

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

 

Approved: May 2022

Ward: 6
Alderman: Sawyer
Neighborhood: Chatham


b. March 18, 1967
d. November 21, 1984


Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wilson_(basketball)

20221617

Carlos F. Pagan

Linda Zabors

Carlos Pagan was a 19-year old shooting victim in the Albany Park neighborhood.

Alum:

Theodore Roosevelt High School


Honorary Carlos F. Pagan Way

North Albany Avenue from West Argyle Street to West Carmen Avenue

 

Approved: April 2022

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


d. 2018. Age 19


Source

https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/07/albany-park-neighbors-help-pay-funeral-costs-in-possible-mistaken-identity-murder/

2022843

Dwain P Williams

Linda Zabors

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


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

Brandon William McGhee

Linda Zabors

Brandon was a 23-year old artist who was killed in a random act of gun violence. He was a good person who looked out for others. A classmate described him as a “beautiful soul.” He had played basketball and football at Lake View High School and worked at WhirlyBall, an entertainment center.

A mural in Brandon’s honor has been painted at the Logan Square Blue Line Station by local artist and friend of Brandon’s family, Tyrue “Slang” Jones.

Alumni:
Lake View High School


Honorary Brandon William McGhee Way

West Homer Street from North Western Avenue to North Rockwell Street

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 1
Alderman: La Spata
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

d. 2020. Age 23


Self Help Home Way

Linda Zabors

Self Help was founded as a mutual aid society in 1938 to support immigrants fleeing Nazi Germany. It became a center and then a home for Holocaust survivors to rebuild their lives. It was the subject of the documentary film Refuge: Stories of the Selfhelp Home. It became a senior living center in 1951.


Honorary The Selfhelp Home Way

800 & 900 West Argyle Street between Sheridan Drive and Marine Drive

 

Approved: 2017, 2018 (revised), 2019 (revised)

Ward: 48
Alderman: Osterman
Neighborhood: Uptown

Near
The Selfhelp Home
908 W. Argyle


Lena Marie Nunez Anaya Way

Linda Zabors

Lena was a 10 year old girl who was watching television with her brother in their grandmother’s apartment when a stray bullet came through the window and killed her. She was the innocent victim of gang violence a block away. A vigil was held by the community the next day.

Police have made an arrest in the shooting death of 10-year-old Lena Nunez, who was visiting her grandmother in Logan Square in late June when shew as shot i...


Honorary Lena Marie Nunez Anaya Way

West Dickens Avenue, from North Drake Avenue to North St. Louis Avenue

 

Ward: 35
Alderman: Ramirez-Rosa
Neighborhood: Logan Square

b. September 7, 2009
d. June 28, 2020. Age 10. Chicago





Neftali Reyes, Jr. Way

Linda Zabors

Neftali “Buzzo” Reyes was 19 years old, he graduated with honors from Roberto Clemente High School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was a star athlete and an outstanding sportsman for the Wildcats. It was his dream to be a Major League Baseball Pitcher. Neftali was on a full scholarship at Claflin University in South Carolina. He was at home in Chicago for the holidays and recovering from a sports injury when a stranded friend called in need of a ride late one night. Neftali became the innocent victim of a shooting.

Alumni:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School


Honorary Netfali “Buzzo” Reyes, Jr. Way

1000 and 1100 blocks of West Luis Muniz Marin Drive

 

Approved: April 2020

Ward: 26
Alderman: Maldonado
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

b. May 3, 1998. Chicago
d. December 29, 2017. Age 19.

Near
Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park