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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THOMAS L. VASQUEZ
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Thomas L. Vásquez from our midst on July 25, 2019 at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México on October 12, 1943 to María de Socorro Luna Guzmán and José Trinidad Vásquez Villafranco; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez immigrated to this country and became a resident of Little Village neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest side; and
WHEREAS, it was there, in the Little Village neighborhood, where in the early 1980s he met a group of young likeminded individuals and began to advocate for adequate services for their community and fair representation in elected offices; and
WHEREAS, that advocacy lead to the creation of the 22nd Ward’s Independent Political Organization which the 22nd Ward’s Independent Political Organization aimed to address the needs of working-class families in Little Village and North Lawndale; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez was a proud founder of the 22nd Ward’s Independent Political Organization where he also serves as one of the Vice Presidents and Precinct Captain for numerous years, positions he held with pride and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez was a tireless activist and leader, who always challenged the status quo and pushed to make a positive difference in people's lives and believed that the neighborhoods in the Southwest side of Chicago deserved more respect and equity; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez’s love of service and community extended from organizing block parties to actively attended Local School Council (LSC) meetings and was even a mentor and father figure to countless; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez worked twenty-six (26) years for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez the oldest brother to many siblings. Beloved husband of the late Irma Reyna Vasquez. Loving father of four sons: Daniel Vasquez, Robert Vasquez, late Thomas Vasquez Jr. and the late David Vasquez, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather of one; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez and his legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. He leaves not only a family that grieves him but a community that was impacted by his contribution and convictions; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Vásquez was a living legend and has left a profound lesson for us all to fight for justice and for all working-class people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Thomas L. Vásquez, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the family and friends of Thomas L. Vásquez so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished.
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