MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JOHN (JB) BURGESS
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of John (JB)
Burgess on September 13, 2018 at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Margaret Laurino of the 39th Ward, City Council; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 11,1932, John was a loving son to the late Thomas and the late Honora Burgess and grew up in St. Vincent Parish. As a young man, John had a desire to attend DePaul Academy and achieved his goal by working odd jobs to finance his tuition. Although his education was priority, he enjoyed playing sports such as basketball, running track and cross country.
WHEREAS, Through hard work and determination, John enhanced his math and mechanical drawing skills. He became a pipefitter, as his father and his brother before him. Known for his attention to detail, John attained the role of foreman and was a proud member of local 597 pipefitter union; and
WHEREAS, John was a tireless volunteer and an integral part of St. Edward's Church in a variety of ways from being a member of the Holy Name Society, an Usher at Sunday Mass, a Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Master, an Explorer Leader, softball coach and umpire, Member of the St. Edward St. Vincent DePaul Society, Co-Chair for Festivals and a Co-Chair for a successful Project Renewal Campaign, just to name a few. His mantra was "you always finish the race, even if you are in last place, you finish the race, you never quit"; and
WHEREAS, John leaves to cherish his memory: his adored wife of 64 years, Anna T. (nee Kelly); loving children, Linda (Jim) Hehir, Kevin, Kathleen (Wally) Johnson, Colleen (Jim) Koepke and Timothy; beloved grandchildren, Brendan (Maureen), Conor, Patrick (Deirdre), Rory (Lacey), Katie (Kyle), Joe, Kelly (John), Keith, Caitlin, Megan, Colleen, Kevin, and Annie; precious great grandchildren, Peyton, Sinead, James, Evan, Jaxson, Emmet, Maeve, Bailey, Finn, Tara and Aubrey; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews and treasured friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, leaving a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, John was a man of great strength, strong will and deep faith. He was an affectionate soul known for his terrific sense of humor. He touched the lives of all who knew him through his kindness, generosity and vivacious spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him, now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we the Mayor and Members of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirty-first day of October, 2018 do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family of John (JB) Burgess; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of John (JB) Burgess as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward