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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PAULINO VILLARREAL SR.
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Paulino Villarreal Sr. from our midst on February 20, 2022, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr., was born on December 17, 1953, in Laredo, Texas. He moved to Chicago as a young teenager in search of a better life and shortly after, he met Judy Ann the woman who would become his wife; and
WHEREAS, several years after marrying, the Villarreal family moved into their Pilsen home near West 18th Place and South Laflin Street. They had three children, Paulino Jr. (Olimpia), Jose Franco Sr. (Gabriela), and Lucia Marie (Oscar) Villarreal, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr. worked for the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation in the neighborhood for more than 33 years; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his day job, he constantly volunteered his time, whether it be supporting the men’s shelter down the street, giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving, or engaging in various civic duties such as collecting petitions; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr. worked tirelessly to make his block a safe space for all; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to the community was formally acknowledged a decade ago when the City of Chicago named an entire block (Laflin Street from 18th to 19th Street) “Honorary Paulino Villarreal Way” and posted a sign at the intersection; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr. was a strict and stern parent, and known to be the family protector; and
WHEREAS, even as Paulino Villarreal Sr. health deteriorated, he would follow his grandkids and neighborhood kids around with his walker looking out for them; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr.’s family said his favorite pastime was to sit on the bench outside his home to chat and greet neighbors walking by while hearing Tejano music; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr. unfortunately lost his battle with cancer in February 2022. His family have committed to keeping his memory alive, and has filled his corner rocking chair with his photo, his hats, and his favorite Dallas Cowboys blanket; and
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr.’s family said he was a true Texas man - a big Cowboys fan and lover of country music. Whenever the family listens to the song “The Cowboy Rides Away” by George Strait, they’ll think of him.
WHEREAS, Paulino Villarreal Sr. will forever be remembered as a staple in the Pilsen neighborhood and as a caring person who always helped neighbors when they needed him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board President and the Board of Commissioners hereby offer their deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Paulino Villarreal Sr., 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 Paulino Villarreal Sr. so that his memory may be honored and ever cherished.
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