Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics Podcast: A Centrist View on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Newt Gingrich helped fuel America’s political polarization Bill Lipinski
  • Do more for senior citizens like we do for illegal aliens Baby Boomers
  • Typewriter. Photo by Andrew Seaman courtesy of unsplash
    District 230 students receive journalism awards Cook County
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours Education
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book Books & Films
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards Features
  • Telephone
     Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam  Baby Boomers
  • Orland Township Democratic Organization Fundraiser Feb. 23, 2023 at Papa Joe's Restaurant in Orland Park
    Orland Township Democratic Organization to honor Former Secretary of State Jesse White on Feb. 23 Cook County
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area Culture
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats Cook County
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards Education
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor Blogger
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley Named Chair of Police and Fire Committee Cook County
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications Business
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates Chicago

Summit honors Kurcz

Posted on October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Summit honors Kurcz
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Summit honors Kurcz

Firehouse named for family that donated land

By Steve Metsch

An honor that was 20 years in the making has finally happened in Summit.

At the urging of Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, the current village administration decided to dedicate the firehouse at 7339 W. 59th St. to the people who made it possible, Joseph Kurcz and his late wife Margaret Powers Kurcz.

The couple donated to the village the land where the firehouse was built. It opened in 1999.

And after a heartfelt ceremony on the warm and overcast morning of Oct. 10, a sign was unveiled that reads “Kurcz Family Summit Fire Department.”

Best of all, Joseph Kurcz, sharp as ever but now in a wheelchair, was there to see it happen. And, it all took place in front of dozens of his family members and friends on the Summit native’s 92nd birthday.

“I certainly appreciate. I never totally expected this. It’s a very big honor for me,” Kurcz said.

He donated the land “because I’m a citizen of Summit, I was born and raised in Summit, and I could afford donating it.”

The sign is unveiled on Oct. 10 during the official naming ceremony. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

 

Glancing up at the sign, made by Summit Sheet Metal Specialists, he smiled and called the honor “wonderful.”

He said his late wife Marge, who was 50 when she died in 1978, “would love it and be totally honored like we all are.”

“I’m very proud of my name as you well know. It is an honor. I stayed in Summit because I liked the people, I liked the community and it’s just a wonderful town,” he said.

Kurcz now lives in Burr Ridge but still owns a house on 59th Street. And he still shows up each day at work, said his son, Wayne Kurcz, of LaGrange Highlands.

Kurcz’ oldest granddaughter, Maureen Dehler, of Oswego, was thrilled to attend.

“It’s amazing. I’ve known my whole live how amazing he is. I’m so proud of him knowing there are so many people out there who know how incredible he is,” Dehler said.

“He didn’t do this for a sign. That makes this even more special,” she added.

The firehouse stands on land Kurcz located east of his business, Williams-Hayward Protective Coatings. He bought the company in 1972 after he started working there on the dock after World War II.

Kurcz, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski said, “lived the American dream,” noting that Kurz worked his way up the corporate ladder.

“But the American dream is also about giving back,” Lipinski said. “Joseph served in the Navy in World War II and his entire life here living in Summit was about giving back to the community.”

“Everyone here in Summit can look for inspiration at Joseph and what he was able to do,” Lipinski added.

Summit Fire Chief Wayne Hanson, state Sen. Martin Sandoval, state Rep. Celina Villanueva and Lyons Township Supervisor Christopher Getty also made brief comments thanking Kurcz for his dedication to and continued support of Summit.

“He was born and raised in Summit and still has strong ties to the village,” Rodriguez said. “This fire department stands as a symbol of looking out for each other. We want to recognize his contribution to the village. This is the right thing to do.”

Hanson said the fire department is “grateful to the Kurcz family for donating the land. We’re happy to see the mayor and village board made this event happen.”

Getty thanked Joseph Kurcz for the donation: “I think it’s exceptional and a superior act of kindness. It says volumes about your character and everything you do.”

 

Joseph Kurcz and granddaughter Maureen Dehler are all smiles after the naming ceremony. (Photo by Steve Metsch)
Joseph Kurcz and granddaughter Maureen Dehler are all smiles after the naming ceremony. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

 

Wayne Kurcz told an amusing story about his father, a Cubs fan, who was serving on a destroyer in World War II in 1945.

He had saved all his money from the Navy. On the way back, it was Game Seven of the World Series between the Cubs and Detroit Tigers.

“What did Dad do? He bet all his money with a fellow from Detroit on the seventh game. Anybody who is a Cub fan knows what happened to that,” the younger Kurcz said to laughter.

Joseph Kurcz said he forgot how much he bet in 1945 but admitted “it hurt” losing. He was finally rewarded by the 2016 champion Cubs.

“We took him to a World Series game, but they lost,” Wayne said.

In a serious note, Wayne told of his father developing the first water-based coatings that could be used on railroad cars.

“We are the most well-known water-based manufacturers of environmentally safe coatings for rail industry and coil industry,” Wayne Kurcz said.

Before 1999, the fire department shared the building on Archer Road with the police, who are still there. “It was tight,” Trustee Marvel Parker said.

“This,” Parker said nodding toward the firehouse, “was a 1997 CDBG Project. The dedication was in 1999. I was then the director of community development. I know all about it. This is my baby.”

— Desplaines Valley News

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • No town too small, Pritzker visits Southwest suburbs - November 4, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:firehouse, Joseph Kurcz, Kurcz Family, Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, summit

Post navigation

Previous Post: New members lift Eagles
Next Post: Tollway interchange for Justice

Related Posts

  • Will we see local favorites, like American English seen here in Countryside in 2018, at free music series this summer? Several local communities are hoping for the best. Photo by Steve Metsch.
    Music beating virus so far News
  • Chicago Wolves Hockey. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves battle ends in Overtime Chicago
  • CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker announces 330 new coronavirus COVID-19 cases in Illinois Business
  • PHOTOS: Orland Park’s National Night Out News
  • Ben Joravsky tackles Chicagoland Politics on podcast Blogger
  • U.S. Rep. Marie Neman (D-3rd) was shocked by what she saw in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. She's shown here at a protest in support of postal workers in August. Photo by Steve Metsch.
    ‘Violent domestic terrorists’ News

More Related Articles

Bridgeview’s hero News
New Lenox offers Free CERT training New Lenox offers free Disaster Preparedness Training to residents Government
Lenny Bruce courtesy of Wikipedia Review: I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce Blogger
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and his allies on the board not wearing face masks during the recent lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, Nov. 29, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Village of Orland Park Facebook Page. Massive rise in COVID-19 infections slam Orland Park Blogger
Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia Harper proposes measure to institute “Smarter Sentencing” in Illinois Chicago
Orland Fire Protection DIstrict Firefighters demonstrate lifesaving techniques in vehicle rescue. Photo courtesy Steve Neuhaus Orland Fire Protection District hosts Open House to showcase life saving techniques and equipment Cook County

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Newt Gingrich helped fuel America’s political polarization
    February 3, 2023
  • Do more for senior citizens like we do for illegal aliens
    February 3, 2023
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor
    January 26, 2023
  • Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe
    January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Chicago Mayor Lori Lightf... Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has faile... posted on January 15, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website Vallas urges probe in Lig... Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot's CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Ga... posted on January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023 Black and Latinx Elected... Black and Latinx Elected Officials Unite Against the Chaos Caused by Mayor... posted on January 8, 2023
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi... Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team... posted on January 17, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Cook County Announces Cal... Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program A... posted on January 23, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Typewriter. Photo by Andrew Seaman courtesy of unsplash
    District 230 students receive journalism awards
    February 3, 2023
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours
    February 3, 2023
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book
    February 3, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023
  • Telephone
     Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam 
    February 3, 2023
  • Orland Township Democratic Organization Fundraiser Feb. 23, 2023 at Papa Joe's Restaurant in Orland Park
    Orland Township Democratic Organization to honor Former Secretary of State Jesse White on Feb. 23
    February 2, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023
  • Telephone
     Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam 
    February 3, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • Stefan Noesen, Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award
    July 22, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours
    February 3, 2023
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book
    February 3, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area
    January 31, 2023
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats
    January 31, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023
  • United Airlines Flight at O'Hare Airport
    United offers endless airline travel problems for travelers
    December 25, 2022
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme