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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PALATINE BUSINESSMAN JOHN S. TRAGAS
WHEREAS, John S. Tragas passed away peacefully on October 13, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, John was born on November 2, 1952 in Magoula, Greece; and
WHEREAS, John was 14 years old when he immigrated to America with his parents and brother in 1966; and
WHEREAS, John was married to oncology nurse Claudette for 42 years and together raised their three daughters, Diana, Maria, and Christina; and
WHEREAS, John and his brother opened their first restaurant, The Charm Restaurant, in Chicago in 1972 and continued to operate it until 1989; and
WHEREAS, John was passionate about the restaurant business and opened another family restaurant in Arlington Heights before eventually finding the location for Café 14 in Palatine in February of 1991 and quickly established itself as a community staple; and
WHEREAS, John, Claudette, Diana, Maria, and Christina were all involved in the day to day operations of Café 14; and
WHEREAS, Café 14 is open for all-day breakfast and lunch, serving patron favorites such as omelets, crepes, and paninis; and
WHEREAS, John’s welcoming personality brought many customers to Café 14 where he knew the regular patrons by name and often referred to them as extended family members; and
WHEREAS, John was known for his love of people and zeal for life, often saying, “You only have one life, live it!”; and
WHEREAS, Café 14 celebrated its 20-year milestone in 2011, an event that was attended by local dignitaries, locals and regulars alike, proving Café 14’s importance in the community; and
WHEREAS, John was the proud owner of Café 14 for 29 years and an active member of the Palatine Chamber of Commerce.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, honors the life and contributions of John S. Tragas, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the citizens of Cook County, Illinois and joy he brought to the community he served; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of John S. Tragas.end