WHEREAS, On January 16, 2020, Athanasios "Thomas" Lalagos, loving partner, parent, grandparent, and friend, passed away at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of Thomas's passing by the Honorable Susan Sadlowski-Garza, Alderman of the 10th Ward; and
WHEREAS, The youngest of four children, Thomas was born in Greece on January 1, 1947 to Dimitri Lalagos and Matina Bakou, and immigrated to Chicago in 1958 with his mother to rejoin his father and sisters, Dina, Eugenia, and Katina; and
WHEREAS, Thomas grew up on the Southside of the City and graduated from Robert Lindbloom Math and Science Academy before earning a bachelor's degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago; and
WHEREAS, After finishing his education, Thomas quickly decided on a career in teaching and began a 35-year career with Chicago Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, Thomas married lleana Bordabehere and they had three children; they remained married until her untimely death from cancer in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Thomas spent his life, and particularly his retirement, as a civic activist promoting good will, fostering relationships, and protesting the ills of greed, myopic policy, and politics prioritizing the free market over the greater good; and
WHEREAS, Thomas always led by example and could often be found speaking and marching at protests, and was so committed that he was willing to be arrested for what he believed in; and
WHEREAS, Thomas spent the last six years going on adventures with his domestic partner, best friend, and travel buddy, Bessie "Kiki" Tsitsopoulos; their travels took them to many places, from Russia to Australia, Italy to Sweden, Ireland to Turkey, and all throughout Greece; and
WHEREAS, Thomas is survived by his children, Dimitri, Alexander, and Antonia; grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his domestic partner Bessie and her children; and
WHEREAS, Thomas will be fondly remembered for his ability to treat everyone as if they were the center of the universe, without any prejudice; everyone knew him not only as a fighter, but also as a father, mentor, brother, and kind soul; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this nineteenth day of February, 2020, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Athanasios "Thomas" Lalagos; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family ofAthanasios "Thomas" Lalagos as a sign of our gratitude and respect f]
co
