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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE, LEGACY, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT OF SPENCER LEAK, JR.
WHEREAS, Spencer Leak, Jr., esteemed funeral director, civic leader, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, departed this life on May 31, 2026, at the age of 56, leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion, dignity, and unwavering service to the people of Cook County, Chicago, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Leak, Jr. was a third-generation steward of the venerable Leak & Sons Funeral Home, one of Chicago's most respected African American-owned institutions, founded in 1933 by his grandfather, Reverend Andrew R. Leak, whose vision established a sacred tradition of ensuring every family, regardless of financial means, could honor their loved ones with dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS, from the age of twelve, Spencer Leak, Jr. immersed himself in the family enterprise, answering telephones, assisting families, maintaining vehicles, and learning firsthand the values of service, humility, and excellence defining his life's work; and
WHEREAS, after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, he became one of the youngest licensed funeral directors in the State of Illinois and subsequently served with distinction as Vice President, Licensed Funeral Director, and Embalmer of Leak & Sons Funeral Home; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of his father, Spencer Leak, Sr., and alongside his mother, Henrietta Leak, and brothers, Stacy and Stephen Leak, he helped transform Leak & Sons Funeral Home into a cornerstone institution serving thousands of families annually through locations in Chicago, Country Club Hills, and Matteson; and
WHEREAS, for more than forty-five (45) years, Spencer Leak, Jr. ministered to grieving families during their most vulnerable moments, embodying empathy, professionalism, and grace while ensuring every life entrusted to his care received honor with dignity and reverence; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Leak, Jr. and Leak & Sons Funeral Home provided professional and compassionate services for numerous notable figures whose lives shaped Chicago and the nation, including Sam Cooke, Bernie Mac, Juice WRLD, William "Flukey" Stokes, and most recently the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., whose historic homegoing services reflected the profound trust placed in the Leak family across generations; and
WHEREAS, those who knew Spencer Leak, Jr. consistently described him as a man of exceptional character, humility, and benevolence, whose quiet strength, wisdom, and willingness to serve left an indelible impression upon colleagues, community leaders, clergy, business owners, and countless families throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, his lifelong dedication to preserving and advancing one of Cook County’s and Chicago's most enduring African American family businesses ensured the values established by his grandfather nearly a century ago would continue to flourish for future generations; and
WHEREAS, among his proudest accomplishments was witnessing the emergence of a fourth generation of leadership through his son, Spencer "Tre" Leak III, who recently joined the family business and intends to continue the distinguished legacy of service established by his forebears; and
WHEREAS, his passing represents not only a tremendous loss to the Leak family, but also to the Cook County, City of Chicago, and the countless individuals whose lives his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service touched;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3RD DISTRICT; TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS; TARA S. STAMPS; MICHAEL SCOTT, JR.; STANLEY MOORE; DR. KISHA E. MCCASKILL; DONNA MILLER; ALMA E. ANAYA; JESSICA VÁSQUEZ; MAGGIE TREVOR; BRIDGET GAINER; JOHN P. DALEY; BRIDGET DEGNEN; JOSINA MORITA; SCOTT R. BRITTON; KEVIN B. MORRISON; FRANK J. AGUILAR; AND SEAN M. MORRISON, do hereby honor and celebrate the extraordinary life, legacy, and contributions of Spencer Leak, Jr., whose unwavering commitment to service, compassion, entrepreneurship, and human dignity enriched the lives of countless families throughout Cook County and the City of Chicago, and whose enduring legacy shall continue to inspire future generations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Leak family and all who mourn his passing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Spencer Leak, Jr. as a lasting symbol of the esteem, gratitude, and respect held for him by the citizens of Cook County. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District. Dated this ___ day of ______.
Sincerely,
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