RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Mr. Joseph Emile Morenzoni, known as "Mayor of Maplewood", served and dedicated himself to the City of Chicago for over 50 years as through his volunteer work, community sendee, and advocacy for political, and faith-based causes; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his achievements by the Honorable Derrick Curtis, Alderman of the 18th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Joseph enlisted in the Army after graduating from Tilden Tech High School in 1956, joining the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, KY. He remained a proud paratrooper throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Joseph and his late wife, Maureen Murphy, bought the house on Maplewood Avenue in 1960, where he lived for 53 years, raising four sons and a daughter; and
WHEREAS, Joseph's late wife Maureen died in 1974, leaving him a widower at 35 with five children under 14. Despite the loss, Joseph is remembered as fantastic father. He married the second love of his life, Mary Kay Concannon in 1977, adopting her son and daughter from a previous marriage; and
WHEREAS, Joseph began his career as a printer at Manifold Business Forms in Bedford Park, working his way up to become general foreman. After the company closed, he took a job at Union Switch and Signal as an electrical engineer. One of his proudest accomplishments was working on all of the signals for the Chicago "L" Orange Line, which his grandchildren called "Papa's train"; and
WHEREAS, Joseph was an active member of his community, serving as 18th Ward precinct captain, election judge, and president and membership chairman of the St. Thomas More Holy Name Society; and
WHEREAS, Joseph came to be known as the " Mayor of Maplewood" because he would walk the neighborhood, advocating for neighborhood improvements, ensuring that issues such as lighting and potholes were being addressed on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, In March 2013, in recognition of his work and dedication to the community, former 18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane renamed the stretch of Maplewood Avenue outside of his home as "Honorary Joe Morenzoni Way"; and
WHEREAS, Joseph lost a 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease in September 2013, passing away at his home at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Joseph inspired the lives of countless people through his lively spirit, charity and concern; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Joseph Morenzoni serves as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Morenzoni was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remember by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Joseph Morenzoni imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-second day of June, 2016, do hereby commemorate Joseph Morenzoni for his achievements and dedication to the City of Chicago, and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Joseph Morenzoni as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.