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TRIBUTE TO GEORGE J. POULOS
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom, has called to his eternal reward George J. Poulos, beloved citizen and dedicated public servant, after succumbing to complications arising from his more than decade-long battle with multiple scleroses; and
WHEREAS, George J. Poulos was born in this city and attended St. Grrgory Grammar School from 1952 to 1959. He attended DePaul University on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor in Science of Physical Education; and
WHEREAS, George J. Poulos was employed in 1969 by the Chicago Park District as an hourly instructor and rose through the ranks to eventually become supervisor of Clarendon Park. In 1973, he became supervisor of Welles Park, known as this city's premier neighborhood park, and was a significant milestone in his career; and
WHEREAS, Now being in a position that recognized him as a mentor and leader, George developed several youth programs such as expanding the Little League program from a 6-team league to a 38-team league with 4 divisions in 1989. Additionally, he coordinated the Ed Kelly Sports Program that benefitted thousands of neighborhood children and founded the Bitty Basketball program as well as "Jr. Bears" football in 1974. As part of the Therapeutic Recreation program, he created a recording studio with his colleagues within the park' field house for people with special needs; and
WHEREAS, George J. Poulos left Welles Park in 1990 and was promoted to Host Park Supervisor, where he oversaw all physical activities for many of the north side parks including his beloved Welles Park. Honoring his effort served to Welles Park and its community, the playground there was named the "George J. Poulos Playground", dedicated to his commitment and service to the park; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, the 2300 block of West Sunnyside Avenue, adjacent to Welles Park, was renamed as "Honorary George J. Poulos Way". At the ceremony unveiling the honorary street sign, George was joined by the former 47th Ward Alderman, officials from the Chicago Park District and many residents of the Lincoln Square community; and
WHEREAS, George J. Poulos suffered from multiple scleroses for more than 11 years and had been wheelchair-bound. He leaves behind to celebrate his memory and mourn for his loss his loving wife, Michele Turone, and his beloved sister, Martha Schaffrath; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable Ameya Pawar, Alderman of the 47th Ward, has informed this august body of the passing of George J. Poulos; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, gathered together this 24th day of July, 2013 AD, do hereby express our sincerest sorrow upon learning of the passing of George Poulos and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all the many people whose lives he has touched.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of George Poulos.
AMEYA PAWAR Alderman - 47th Ward