WHERAS, The 5500 block of West 64,h Street in the Chrysler Village Neighborhood ofthe 13,h Ward is honored as Donald .1. Powers Jr. Way; and
WHF.RAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this special occasion by Alderman Marly Quinn; and
. WHERAS, Donald James Powers Jr. was born January 28, 1963 to Donald Sr. and Jeannette Powers. Me was the second child for the couple, the first being Don's older sister Michele. Don grew up on 32'"' and l.ituanica in Bridgeport. He attended St. George Grammar School and then De La Salle High School; and
WHERAS, 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. In January 1988. they welcomed their first son Donald III and then in March 1989 their second son Michael was born. Just before Michael's P' birthday, they bought their family home at 5525 West 64lh Street in February 1990. In October ofthe same year their daughter Ashley was born. Their last child James was born in February 1993; and
WHERAS, In the summer of 1993 Don's two young sons joined t-ball at Lawlcr Park and he became one ofthe 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 al Robert I Grimes and Michael attend thc preschool al Alexander Fleming, the sister school to Grimes. Together, Don and his wife joined the PTC and Christina joined ihe 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, 8"' grade break fast, and teacher appreciation luncheons. He also volunteered with alterschool programs, running board games and anything else that was needed; and
WHERAS, As the years went on, the Powers' house became the place to hang out. Mr. and Mrs. Powers were always there. The neighborhood kids that hung out with the Powers kids remember swimming in the pool, riding go-carts in the 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 cat. Don lost his father al a young age so he took on the lather role lo some ofthe young kids that did not have a dad; and
WHERAS, Don and Christina made lasting friendships with many in thc community that have become like family. When his kids were young, the parents would gather while the children watched the stars on summer nights; and
WHERAS, Don was the best neighbor you could ask for. He would shop and shovel snow for seniors who could not get out ofthe house. He would help a neighbor with anything they needed. He was the "Block Welcoming Committee," making sure every new resident felt like family; and
WHERAS, 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 E. 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; and
WHERAS, 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; and
WHERAS, 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, spoiling 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; and
WHERAS, Don was a proud City of Chicago resident and employee. He worked at O'Hare Airport as an electrician. He was a proud member of I BE W Local 134. Ele would often use his skill to help neighbors with electricity issues; and
WHERAS, 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. Fie was the heartbeat ofthe Chrysler Village 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 alter him; thc beautiful plaque still hangs there today; and
WHERAS, The Powers Family continues to live on the 5500 block of West 64,h Street at 5525, 5529 and 5531. They continue to keep Don's legacy alive in the Chrysler Village Community: and
Wl 1ERAS, The 5500 block of West 64"' Street in the Chrysler Village Neighborhood ofthe I3lh Ward is honored at Donald J. Powers Jr. Way because he was a wonderful husband, father and neighbor. His legacy embodies family values
Don gave anyone who needed a family a space in his. He remains an inspiring example ofthe neighbor we should all strive to be; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe Chicago City Council assembled here this fifteenth day of December, 2021 do hereby recognize the 5500 block of West 64th Street in the Chrysler Village Neighborhood ofthe 13th Ward as Donald J. Powers Jr. Way; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Donald .1. Powers Jr.
