title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RAUL MONTES
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Raul Montes Sr. from our midst on January 23, 2021 at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes was born August 9, 1948 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Jose Montes Tapia and Estela Sifuentes Miranda, in a family of nine children and in September 1965 immigrated to the U.S. with his family; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes was a longtime resident of Little Village neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side and a hardworking provider for his family; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes’ first job was as a busboy at Marshall Field’s department store in the Chicago’s downtown; and
WHEREAS, By 1967, he was working at Western Electric, where he met Maria Gutierrez, a fellow employee. They later married in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes held several City of Chicago jobs and eventually served as the 22nd Ward superintendent for the Department of Streets and Sanitation; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes was always making a positive difference in people's lives and believed firmly in equity of resources; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes launched a block club in the late 1970’s to organize and bring resources into his neighborhood, and established block watches and activities for children and teens; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes was a tireless activist and leader and was a 22nd Ward Precinct Captain for 25 years, he was part of the Black and Brown coalition movement that helped elect Mayor Harold Washington; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes was a beloved husband of Maria Gutierrez, loving father of three sons: Miguel Montes, Raul Montes Jr, and Jose Montes, grandfather of three; and
WHEREAS, Raul Montes 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.
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 Raul Montes, 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 of Raul Montes so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished. .end