RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Gregory Bates Harts, most beloved citizen, to his eternal reward on March 9, 2018; and
WHERERAS, This esteemed body has been notified of his passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 1, 1950, Gregory was the adored son of James and Jimmy-Lee Henderson. He was the eldest of six brothers. Gregory and his family grew up in the Ida B. Well Darrow Homes and was known as the "undercover gentleman". He was tough on the outside but had a heart of gold. Gregory learned how to sew from his grandmother who was a professional seamstress, excepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was a faithful servant; and
WHEREAS, Gregory was a football star at Wendell Philips High School, sporting #77 and dominating his position as a defensive lineman. He later joined the coaching staff for Carl Bonne Dream Team. He continued his love of sports playing in several softball leagues. Gregory was a skilled negotiator and a peace maker on and off the field; and
WHEREAS, Gregory married his high school sweetheart, Paulette, the love of his life and best friend. They were blessed with four children. Because his parents, grandmother and aunt provided a comfortable home with love, laughter and acceptance of all, he aspired to raise his children with the same upbringing. Gregory was well respected by all in the community as he did not hesitate to give a hand, lend an ear or a warm embrace; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Gregory joined the Pembrook Rough Riders, a club of African American men who created a rodeo. He managed the Rodeo for over 15 years, which afforded thousands of people of all ages to experience a spectacular event that highlighted the skills of African American Urban Cowboys; and
WHEREAS, Gregory worked for the City of Chicago Police Department as a detention officer. Later employed with the Chicago Housing Authority as a stationary engineer. Gregory was a dedicated, hardworking employee and loyal member of Local 1 and Local 399 until his retirement in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Gregory continued giving back to his community by serving in the youth mentoring program through Cease Fire and was a dedicated donor at IMPACT Family Center. He enjoyed giving his time in the political arena in the 5th District of Cook County Commissioner Debra Sims and assisting 34th Ward, Alderman/Committeeman Carrie M. Austin with helping the residents in the community whether it be participating in fundraisers, volunteering for special events or out knocking on doors reminding citizens of their right to vote; and
WHEREAS, Gregory B. Hart leaves to cherish his loving memory and exemplary legacy: his wife Paulette Corner Hart; his brothers Larry (Cheryl), Oliver (Cynthia), James (Evette), Pierre (Karen), DeAngelo, and Dontell (Phyllis); his children Darren (LaDonna), Nikkida Hart, Gregory Jr. (Patrina), and Jameel (Natrisa); grandchildren Donald, Dominique, Darrious, Emma, Jamese, Justyn, Brooklyn, London, and Asir; great grandchildren Artorius, Speyer, and Lotus. Greg was likewise a father figure to Shanja, Diadro, Pierre and many others, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and treasured friends whom he loved dearly; and
WHEREAS, Gregory touched the lives of all who knew him through his kindness, generosity, and vivacious spirit. A true man of god who will be sorely missed but fondly remembered for
his special smile, compassion, unconditional love and nurturing soul and accomplishments; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this eighteenth day of April, 2018, do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Gregory Bates Harts and extend to his family our sincere condolences.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Gregory Bates Harts as a sign of our sympathy.