Michael W. Gonzalez Way

Michael Gonzalez was the founder and CEO of Maestros Ventures, an Engineering Services firm in Chicago. He served as President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - Chicago Chapter; President of the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA); Member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board; Vice Chairman of the Illinois Legislative Caucus Foundation; and Trustee on the Board of PBS Station WTTW, Channel 11.

Born in Chicago

Alumni
Holy Family Grammar School, Chicago
St. Ignatius High School
University of Illinois at Chicago, Engineering School

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Honorary Michael W. Gonzalez Way

South May Street from West Cullerton Street to West 21st Street

 

Approved: 2020

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

d. July 8, 2019. Age 63.

Clarence L . Shaffer, Sr. Drive

Clarence Shaffer was a Navy WWII veteran and former professional baseball player in the Southern Negro League. He was Deacon of The Way of The Cross Holiness Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago for 37 years, where his wife was the Pastor, W.E. Shaffer.

Veteran: Navy, WWII

Born: Mississippi

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Honorary Clarence L. Shaffer, Sr. Drive

 

South Halsted between 81st to 83rd*

Approved: January 2020

Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr.
Neighborhood: South Side, Auburn Gresham

b: Mississippi July 22, 1925
d: Chicago April 16, 2012. Age 87.

Near
The Way of The Cross Holiness M.B. Church
8229 S. Halsted

* the location was amended to 81st to 83rd Street in 2021

Ivan de Jesus Reyes Way

Ivan de Jesus Reyes was born in Chicago and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood who worked as a Senior Pharmacy Technician. He graduated with a degree in Biology which he put to use as a researcher at the University of Illinois, studying plant invasive species which had applications in agriculture and renewable energy. In his community he was known as an active volunteer, a great neighbor, and huge baseball fan. He was a member of the congregation at St. Pius V Catholic Church. His diagnosis with cancer at age 31 did not dampen his outlook on life nor his role as a mentor and volunteer at the local YMCA and Harrison Park.

Alumni:
Cooper Elementary School
Whitney Young High School
Northeastern Illinois University

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Honorary Ivan de Jesus Reyes Way

 

West 21st Place between South Paulina Street and West 21st Street

Approved: 2020

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

b. October 3, 1983. Chicago
d. July 12, 2016. Chicago

Justice John Paul Stevens Way

John Paul Stevens was a United States Supreme Court Justice for 35 years. At his retirement in 2010, he was the third longest serving judge in the history of the Supreme Court. He lived to be 99 years old.

Born in Chicago. Raised in Hyde Park

Alumni:
Northwestern Law School
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Lab School

Retired: 2010

Presidential Medal of Freedom 2012

Veteran: Navy, Lieutenant, WWII, Bronze Star

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Justice John Paul Stevens Way

 

East Chicago Avenue between Lake Shore Drive and Fairbanks Court

Approved: 2019

Ward: 2
Alderman: Hopkins
Neighborhood: Streeterville

Born April 20, 1920 in Chicago
d. July 16, 2019, Age 99

Near the Northwestern University Law School, Downtown Campus

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Photo: Steve Petteway, photographer for the US Supreme Court [Public domain]

Plumbers Campus

Honorary Plumbers Campus was designated to commemorate the new state-of-the-art plumbers training center by UA Local 130 to meet the training needs of the future. Training includes: rainwater harvesting, grey water harvesting, and solar water heating.

See video of new Plumbers Campus

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Honorary Plumbers Campus

 

1400 block of West Washington Street

Approved: 2019

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: West Loop

Near Plumbers new training facility

Martha Ramos Way

Martha Ramos was Chief of Staff for the Alderman of the 35th Ward.

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Martha Ramos Way

 

North Humboldt Blvd, from Wabansia Ave to Bloomingdale Ave

Approved: 2019

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

b. December 10, 1965
d. February 20, 2019. Age 54 

Frank Lodarek Way

Frank Lodarek was the owner of the Big Apple Finer Foods store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for more than 55 years; a business he started in June 1960 which is now in it’s third generation of family ownership. Frank originally trained as an engineer and learned the food business as a manager of an A&P grocery store. This is also were he met his wife, Mildred. They were married for 71 years.

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 Honorary Frank J. Lodarek Way

North Clark Street and Fullerton Avenue

Approved: 2015

Dedicated: September 28, 2019

Ward: 43
Alderman: Michele Smith
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2345 N. Clark
Big Apple Finer Foods

d. March 8, 2015 age 93

 

source

Marge Britton Way

Marguerite Ann Britton, a journalist and a community activist for the Edgewater Neighborhood. She was a free lance writer, a feature editor for the Skokie News, and served on the staff of the 48th Ward. As a public relations professional she also served the Chicago Realtors Association.

She was the President of the Lakewood/Balmoral Residents Council, the first meeting was held in her living room. This group encouraged many more neighborhood groups over the years. Marge and the Council was also instrumental in claiming the Ward office for neighborhood residents and electing a local Alderman who was unaffiliated with a political party. Edgewater succeeded in unseating the “political machine” and reducing gangs and crime. Edgewater has gained popularity among residents and families. This in turn, has attracted large retailers - who are asked to design their storefronts to complement and fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.

The Edgewater Historical Society named Marge Britton a “Living Treasure” in 2014

Alumna: Mundelein College, BA

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 Honorary Marge Britton Way

5400 North Magnolia Avenue from Balmoral to Catalpa

Approved: June 2019

Ward: 48
Alderman: Harry Osterman
Neighborhood: Edgewater

 

source

source

source Book. Welcome to the Urban Revolution, by Jeb Brugmann. p. 263

Robert Myers Way

An excerpt from…

A Tribute to Robert L. Myers from the City Council of Chicago
February 22, 2017

 In 1984, Bob became a journeyman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Trade School. He began a career with the City of Chicago in 1987 as a streetlight repairman in the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Bob worked diligent to all tasks and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the managing deputy commissioner, the third highest ranked position within the Department of Transportation. He demonstrated marked experience and skill in management, public relations, telecommunications, operations and hands-on community amenities to constituents of every age across this great city, selflessly providing quality service to aldermen, peers, staff and laymen alike...

Bob entered into sunset surrounded by his family and close friends. He will be held in the highest esteem as one of the hardest working city employees and one of the best dressed people in City Hall. His indomitable spirit, ceaseless allegiance and distinct sense of style will long and indelibly convey pleasure to those who knew and worked with him. His exemplary service, attention to detail, care and concern will undoubtedly be missed.

****
An excerpt from the City Council Meeting on 2/22/2017

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 Honorary Robert L. Myers Way

west 85th Place from California Avenue to Rockwell Avenue

Approved: February 2018

Ward: 18
Alderman: Derrick Curtis
Neighborhood: Ashburn

d. 2017

 

Reverend J. M. Stone Drive

Reverend James Marcellus Stone was the founder of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church which was a center of the civil rights movement in Chicago in the 1960s. Under Rev. Stone’s leadership, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached and held rallies at his church. Rev. Stone was born in Georgia, and he knew Martin Luther King, Sr. (the father of Martin Luther King, Jr.} who was a preacher in Atlanta. The church became the “action center” of King’s Chicago Freedom Movement in 1966. When King moved his family to Chicago to support the civil rights movement in the north, Rev. Stone found an apartment for King’s family near the Church. Rev. Stone joined King’s march in Selma.

Reverend Stone’s grandson, Derrick Fitzpatrick, is now the senior pastor of Stone Temple MBC.

The Stone Temple Baptist Church building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2016.

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Honorary Rev. JM Stone Dr

 

Approved:

Ward:24
Alderman:
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

Born in Georgia

Near
Stone Temple Baptist Church
3620 W. Douglas Boulevard

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Source

Debra Gaurige Way

Debra Gaurige worked at the Chicago Park District, Smith Park pool for decades.

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Honorary Debra Gaurige Way

Grand Avenue between Campbell and Washtenaw

 

Approved: April 2019

Ward: 26
Alderman: Roberto Maldonado
Neighborhood: West Town

d. May 29, 2018

Near: Smith Park

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Source

Kenneth "Butch" Campbell Way

Kenneth “Butch” Campbell

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Honorary Kenneth “Butch” Campbell Way

North Central Avenue between Division Street and Hirsch Street

 

Approved: April 2019

Ward: 29
Alderman: Chris Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

d. April 2018

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Source

Apostle Cornelius Parker, Sr. Way

Apostle Cornelius Parker, Sr. served at the Zion Faith Center Bible Church on Chicago’s Southwest side

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Honorary Apostle Cornelius Parker, Sr. Way

Throop Street at 100th Street

 

Approved: April 2019

Ward: 34
Alderman: Carrie Austin
Neighborhood: Washington Heights

Near: Zion Faith Center Bible Church
9993 S. Throop Street

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Source

Oprah Winfrey Way

Oprah Gail Winfrey was the founder and producer of the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” a nationally syndicated daytime television talk show from 1986 to 2011. She became one of the most influential people in American and one of the wealthiest. She turned the television talk show genre from trash talk into an opportunity for personal development and enrichment for her audience. She interviewed countless celebrities, and boosted the careers of many authors, television stars, and political figures.

She built Harpo Studios in 1990 (Harpo os Oprah spelled backwards). This is where she produced the “Oprah Winfrey Show, “ O Magazine, films, the Oprah’s Book Club, a media empire, and a national treasure. She moved to Chicago to break into television. Before launching her own show she worked for WLS Radio.

alum
East Nashville High School

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Honorary Oprrah Winfrey WAY

100 North Carpenter Street
Absent

 

Approved:

Neighborhood: West Loop

b. January 29, 1954 in Mississippi

near
former location of Harpo Studios
1058 W. Washington

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Source

https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/oprah-on-cleaning-out-harpo-studios_1

https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/g23067476/oprah-book-club-list/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_opr_ext_comm_org_us_g23067476&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWrZg0qsqJ-JiRrMQOsXr3I3ctXcloJGEMDcCokPNCMFkjiT6hikNAxoCrwsQAvD_BwE

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

Fr. Larry Duris Way

Father Larry Duris dedicated himself to the African-American community and to Catholic life and education. He was ordained by John Cardinal Cody, Archbishop of Chicago. Since 2009, Fr. Duris was pastor at St. Ailbe’s Catholic Church on Chicago’s far south side, and unofficially and spontaneously with parishioners and neighbors at the local grocery store. Before St. Ailbe’s he served in 5 other Chicago area parishes. Fr. Duris had a fascination with African-American history, arts, and music; he was known to be a very good pianist.

In January of 2016 he was presented the Pope John XXIII Award for Outstanding Ministry by the Association of Chicago Priests.

Alumni:
St. Anthony School in Cicero
St. Peter Catholic School in Skokie
Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago
University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein

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Honorary Fr. Larry Duris Way

9015 S. Harper Avenue. South Harper Avenue from 90th to 91st Street

 

Approved: April 2019

Ward: 8
Alderman: Michelle Harris
Neighborhood: Calumet Heights

Born in Chicago
d. 2018 age 74

Near St. Ailbe’s Catholic Church
9015 S. Harper Avenue

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Source

Ronald Lucius Salazar Way

Ron Salazar was an architect who worked for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. He helped coordinate several of Chicago’s biggest events including: Taste of Chicago, Maxwell Street Market, and Christkindlmarket, exhibitions and events at Daley Plaza. He was born in Manila and was very involved with Filipino arts, history, and cultural institutions in Chicago. This included the Phiippine-American Cultural Foundation, the Filipino American Historical Society, community centers and theater groups.

Alumni: University of Illinois at Chicago UIC

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Honorary Ronald Lucius Salazar Way

North Elston between Cicero and Kimberly

Approved: April 2019
Ward: 39
Alderman: Margaret Laurino
Neighborhood: Albany Park

Born in the Philippines
d. 2019. age 53

 

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Source

Pastor Victor Rodriguez Way

Victor Rodriguez was pastor of the La Villita Community Church, in the Little Village neighborhood. His church keeps kids off the streets by serving as the center for the Chicago Youth Boxing Club. Under his leadership, his church also hosted chili cook-offs and tattoo removal sessions. Pastor Vic was well known for peace keeping and for establishing positive relations between the North Lawndale and South Lawndale communities.

Everyone wants to save the world.
But nobody wants to do the dishes.
- Pastor Vic

Pastor Vic was a huge White Sox fan. His place in the community is immortalized in a mural on 22nd Street which bears his portrait and his mission. From age 9, he lived his entire life in the Little Village neighborhood; as an adult he dedicated himself to God and to the community.

Love God. Love people. Nothing else matters.
- Pastor Vic

Alumni: Christian Life College, Whitney Grade School, Farragut

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Honorary Pastor Victor H. Rodriguez Way

West 23rd Street between South Central Park Avenue and South Lawndale Avenue

Approved: April 2019
Ward: 22
Alderman: Ricardo Munoz
Neighborhood: Little Village, South Lawndale

Born in Mexico 1967
Chicago, age 9
d. 2018. age 52

Near La Villita Community Church
2300 S. Millard Avenue

 

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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Tribune

Sam Franco Way

Sam Franco was a musician, band leader, teacher, and he restored musical instruments more than 70 years. He served in the Army during WWII and was the band leader of his division. Sam’s passion was for the accordion, he took lessons in the Fine Arts Building. Sam became a very highly regarded music instructor in the Chicago area. He also taught and repaired accordions at his home and at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He was featured in the Chicago Reader and on NPR. In 2013 he was inducted into the Senior Illinoisian Hall of Fame.

Alumni: Chappell Elementary, Amundsen High School

Veteran: Army Air Corp. WWII

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Honorary Sam Franco Way

5100 block of N. Claremont Avenue

Approved: April 2019
Ward: 40
Alderman: Patrick O’Connor
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

Born in Chicago 1924
d. 2018. age 93

Near his residence for more than 60 years

 

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Sources

Jonathan Bunge Way

Jonathan Bunge was the owner of Will’s Northwoods Inn and was an active member and a huge supporter of the South Lakeview business community. Jonathan also owned several rental properties in the Lakeview neighborhood. He was a retired corporate litigator. Jonathan was also very involved with his church and charities such as the Red Cross and the United Way.

Alumni: Princeton University, Harvard University

Veteran: Army

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Honorary Jonathan Bunge Way

W. Nelson between Racine and Southport

Approved: 2019
Ward: 32
Alderman: Scott Waguespack
Neighborhood: South Lakeview

d. 2018. age 81

Near
Will’s Northwoods Inn
3030 N. Racine Avenue

 

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Source

Ziemia Moniecka Way

Moniecka is a region in Poland.
Ziemia Moniecka Translation: “Land of Moniecka”

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Honorary Ziemia Moniecka Way

2900 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Approved: February 2017

Ward: 30
Alderman: Reboyas
Neighborhood: Polish Village, Avondale

 

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Polish Daily News, May 9, 2017