ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO;
SECTION 1. Pursuant to an ordinance heretofore passed by the City Council which allows erection of honorary street-name signs, the Commissioner of Transportation shall take the necessary action for standardization of the 5500 block of West 64th Street as "Donald J. Powers Jr. Way."
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication.
Biography
Donald James Powers Jr. was bora January 28, 1963 to Donald Sr. and Jeannette Powers. He was the second child for the couple, the first being Don's older sister Michele. Don grew up on 32nd and Lillianica in Bridgeport. He attended St. George Grammar School and then De La Salle High School.
He met his wife Christina in 1981. Her brother David introduced them. They married June 1, 1985 and began their life together in Don's childhood home. Jn January 1988, they welcomed their first son Donald ill and then in March 1989 their second son Michael was born. Just before Michael's lsl birthday, they bought their family home at 5525 West 64(h Street in February 1990. In October of the same year their daughter Ashley was born. Their last child James was born in February 1993.
In the summer of 1993 Don's two young sons joined t-ball at Lawler Park and he became one .of the coaches. They won First Place that year! He coached for a few more years until the t-ball program dismantled. In September 1993 they became involved with the school community when their oldest started Kindergarten at Robert L. Grimes and Michael attend the preschool at Alexander Fleming, the sister school to Grimes. Together, Don and his wife joined the PTC and Christina joined the LSC; this involved setting up and chaperoning dances, sports activities, field trips, and fundraisers. Don volunteered to cook and serve the kids at car washes, 81'1 grade breakfast, and teacher appreciation luncheons. He also volunteered with afterschool programs, running board games and anything else that was needed.
As the years went on, the Powers' house became the place to hang out. Mr. and Mrs. Powers were always there. Thc neighborhood kids that hung out with the Powers kids remember swimming in the pool, riding go-carts in thc ally under the
supervision of Mr. Powers, hamburger and hotdog cookouts, and Pizza .Fridays -
Don would go to Dominick's and but a half dozen fresh pizzas so everyone could eat. Don lost his father at a young age so he took on the father role to some ofthe young kids that did not have a dad.
Don and Christina made lasting friendships with many in the community that have become like family. When his kids were young, the parents would gather while the children watched the stars on summer nights.
Don was the best neighbor you could ask for. He would shop and shovel snow for seniors who could not get out of the house. He would help a neighbor with anything they needed. He was the "Block Welcoming Committee," making sure every new resident felt like family.
Don loved all the holidays but his favorite was the Fourth of July! Every year Don and a few neighbors along with the older kids would put on the best neighborhood fireworks demonstration in the parking lot across the street from Robert L. Grimes School. People would come from miles to sit and watch the display. For safety reasons no one was allowed inside the parking lot; everyone sat on the outside ofthe fence. He would get phone calls every year inquiring about the popular annual fireworks show and BBQ.
On December 16, 2001, Don lost his sister Michele to a long illness; he and Christina became the caregivers to her only child Gina who was only 2 years old. As heartbroken as he was, Don put on a brave face for his family and made the holiday season a happy one.
In March of 2002, Don joined his wife on the Local School Counsel and served for several years. That same year his oldest son graduated and moved on to high school. He was there to help send-off all of his children and his extra children, as he lovingly referred to them, to every dance, sporting event; and graduation. Don even taught one of them to drive. He would sit for hours talking, listening, laughing, or just playing cards with anyone who needed a father Figure.
Don was a, proud City of Chicago resident and employee. He worked at OT Iare Airport as an electrician. He was a proud member of 1BEW Local 134. He would often use his skill to help neighbors with electricity issues.
Don passed suddenly on August 26, 2008 of a massive heart attack. His wife, children, extra children and neighbors were and still are devastated by his passing. He was the heartbeat of the Chrysler Vi l lage Community and his passing is still felt thirteen years later. Every so often his children and extra children get together to reminisce about his loving legacy. To honor Don, Grimes School renamed the gym after him; the beautiful plaque still hangs there today.
The Powers Family continues to live on the 5500 block of West 64lh Street al 5525, 5529 and 5531. They continue to keep Don's legacy alive in the Chrysler Village Community.
Reasons for honoring
Donald James Powers, Jr. was a wonderful husband, father and neighbor. His legacy embodies family values - he gave anyone who needed a family a space in his. He remains an inspiring example ofthe neighbor we should all strive to be.
Date: j<H-M
Office of Budget and Management 121 N. LaSalle. Room 604 Chicago, IL 60602
To Whom It May Concern:
i. frfc/k flu [ , Alderman of the Ward, hereby authorize the
Office of Bridget Management to withdraw the funds associated with the cost of installation for this honorary street designation for QyW^ Pt)uJ€f( "J/- uOtfu from my.
Ward's annual menu program budget
□ Ward's aldermanic expanse allowance
upon passage of this designation ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Chicago Municipal Code.
Sincerely,
6/1/2017