Alderman Michele Smith 09/12/2019
, Frank J. Lodarek
Whereas, the founder of the prominent Big Apple Finer Foods in Lincoln Park, Frank Joseph Lodarek passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the age of 93; and
Whereas, Frank was married to Mildred for 71 wonderful years, was a devoted father of Wayne and Russell, loving grandfather of Kimberly, Holly, Merry, Brittany, Ashley, Kyle and Sean, and great-grandfather of Tyler, Reilly, and Katelyn; and
Whereas, Frank was an engineer stationed in the Philippines in WWII; and
Whereas, Frank then worked as a draftsman for Goss Printing Press and later went on to become the manager of A & P, where he met the love of his life, Mildred.
Whereas, Being a manager inspired Frank to start his own business and in June of 1960, he opened Big Apple Finer Foods, which is now a third-generation family business; and
Whereas, Big Apple Finer Foods has been a Lincoln Park institution for more than fifty years, providing fresh produce and an extensive butcher's department; and
Whereas, Frank's family plans to continue the legacy he started with Big Apple Finer Foods for years to come; and
Whereas, Frank never passed up the opportunity to play cards. Whether it was a game of crazy 8's, blackjack, or poker, he always knew how to win; and
Whereas, Spending time with his family was always a top priority of his, and his family has no plans of changing this; and
Whereas, Frank's family and his Pomeranian, "Cubbie," will forever miss him, keeping him in their hearts and memories.
Whereas, The Honorable Michele Smith, the Alderman of the 43rd Ward wishes to apprise this September body of Frank Lodarek's lifetime dedication to community and family; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of City Council gathered together this 18th Day of September 2019, do hereby express our sincere sorrow at the passing of Frank Lodarek, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and the many people whose lives he touched.