MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF JUAN JOSE SUAREZ
WHEREAS, Juan Jose Suarez, DJ, mentor, and loving father, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the young age of 55; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Juan's passing by the Honorable Michael D. Rodriguez, Alderman ofthe 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Juan was born on May 26,1965 to the late Gilberto and Cruz Suarez, and was raised by his mother, and stepfather, the late Donald Galvan, on the Southside of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Juan lost his vision at the age of nine, but he refused to let that stop him from excelling at his passion and becoming an exceptionally popular disc jockey by the age of 20; and
WHEREAS, Juan began his career at local radio station WCYC, based in the heart of Little Village, where he became known to his listeners as "Majic Juan" and regularly played house and freestyle music, using the grooves ofthe records to help him decide what to play next; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his 30 plus years in radio, Juan accomplished many great things and held several notable positions, including broadcaster, promoter, entrepreneur, and of course, disc jockey, his lifelong passion; if it were not for his cane, most of his listeners would not have known he was blind, and in fact, many did not know and were in awe when they met him; and
WHEREAS, Juan was a mentor to many in the community who, due to his leadership and positive influence, would go on to have accomplished careers of their own, including successful doctors, lawyers, DJs, and elected officials; the positive influence Juan had on everyone who met and knew him cannot be overstated; and
WHEREAS, Juan and the late Cindy Mendez became parents to two beautiful daughters, Alexis and the late Breanna; Juan's family was the love of his life and despite facing many hardships, Juan always taught his daughters to be positive and keep moving forward no matter what; and
WHEREAS, Juan is survived by his daughter Alexis, nine siblings, his mentees, and his many adoring fans; and
WHEREAS, Juan had a significant impact on everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all of his loyal radio listeners; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this sixteenth day of December, 2020, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Juan Jose Suarez; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Juan Jose Suarez as a sign of our honor and respect.
MICHAEL D. RODRIGUEZ Alderman, 22nd Ward