Mayoral Proclamation Honors the Life and Legacy of Thomas Michael Byrne, Jr.

At its October 19, 2026, City Council meeting, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. issued a mayoral proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Thomas Michael Byrne, Jr., designating July 13 as a “Day of Service” in the City of North Chicago in his memory.

Although Thomas Byrne’s life was tragically cut short by an accident, he left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Through this proclamation, Mayor Rockingham and the City Council seek to honor Thomas’s memory and celebrate the qualities that made him an inspiration to his community.

“On this day and throughout the year, I encourage all residents, community organizations, businesses, and public servants to honor Thomas’s legacy through meaningful acts of service: helping someone in need, offering encouragement to a person facing adversity, listening with compassion, supporting those striving to build better lives, and reminding others that they are not alone,” Mayor Rockingham stated in the proclamation.

“Let July 13 serve as an annual reminder that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the life of another. Through simple acts of kindness and a shared commitment to serving others, we can ensure that Thomas’s spirit of compassion continues to illuminate our community,” he added.

The proclamation also acknowledges the profound loss experienced by Thomas’s family and loved ones, stating in part, “While no proclamation can replace the loss of a beloved son, the City of North Chicago recognizes that Thomas’s legacy can endure through acts of compassion and service. His life should be remembered not for the tragedy that ended it, but for the extraordinary kindness with which he lived and the difference he made in the lives of others.”

It further emphasizes the importance of community support and service: “The City of North Chicago believes that a community is strengthened when its residents look beyond themselves to help a neighbor, encourage someone who feels forgotten, listen to another without judgment, and extend a hand to those who need support. Establishing a day of service in Thomas’s memory provides an opportunity to carry forward the values he embodied: kindness, empathy, dignity, service, and hope.”

Through the annual observance of July 13 as a Day of Service, North Chicago residents are encouraged to honor Thomas’s legacy by embracing these values and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the City of North Chicago recognizes the life and legacy of Thomas Michael Byrne, Jr., a remarkable young man whose intelligence, kindness, and compassion touched the lives of those who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Thomas possessed an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. He believed that every person deserved dignity, encouragement, and the opportunity to succeed, and he lived those beliefs through his everyday actions; and

WHEREAS, through his work at Planet Pharma, Thomas demonstrated a profound commitment to helping others build better lives. He encouraged individuals to pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and believe in their own potential. His personal investment in the success of others extended far beyond the responsibilities of his position; and

WHEREAS, Thomas’s compassion made a lasting difference in the lives of those he served. He encouraged a young man working in and offering encouragement until that individual achieved his goal. That accomplishment brought the young toward his General Educational Development (GED) credential, consistently checking man a deeply meaningful moment of affirmation from his father. Thomas also provided a source of guidance, understanding, and reassurance to an individual navigating a difficult divorce, demonstrating his willingness to listen without judgment and help others find the strength to move forward; and

WHEREAS, Thomas had a remarkable gift for meeting people where they were and leaving them stronger than he found them. His life exemplified the profound impact that a kind word, a listening ear, a gesture of encouragement, or a sincere act of service can have on another person; and

WHEREAS, Thomas’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and zest for life were reflected in his many interests. He loved history, strategy, and spirited conversations about his beloved Chicago Bears. His quick mind and genuine enthusiasm made conversations with him memorable and meaningful; and

WHEREAS, from childhood through adulthood, Thomas maintained a special fascination with cicadas, eagerly anticipating their arrival and sharing his enthusiasm with those around him. His enduring curiosity reflected a rare appreciation for the wonders of the natural world and a reminder that extraordinary beauty and joy can be found in the things others may overlook; and

WHEREAS, sunflowers held a special meaning for Thomas and have become a symbol of life and remembrance for his family. Like sunflowers that turn toward the light, Thomas brought hope, warmth, and encouragement to those around him, even during difficult times. His light continues to shine through the countless lives he touched and the kindness he inspired; and

WHEREAS, while no proclamation can replace the loss of a beloved son, the City of North Chicago recognizes that Thomas’s legacy can endure through acts of compassion and service. His life should be remembered not for the tragedy that ended it, but for the extraordinary kindness with which he lived and the difference he made in the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, the City of North Chicago believes that a community is strengthened when its residents look beyond themselves to help a neighbor, encourage someone who feels forgotten, listen to another without judgment, and extend a hand to those who need support. Establishing a day of service in Thomas’s memory provides an opportunity to carry forward the values he embodied: kindness, empathy, dignity, service, and hope.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LEON ROCKINGHAM, JR., MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO,

ILLINOIS, do hereby honor the life and enduring legacy of Thomas Michael Byrne, Jr. and proclaim July 13 as “A DAY OF SERVICE” in the City of North Chicago, in his memory.

On this day and throughout the year, I encourage all residents, community organizations, businesses, and public servants to honor Thomas’s legacy through meaningful acts of service: helping someone in need, offering encouragement to a person facing adversity, listening with compassion, supporting those striving to build better lives, and reminding others that they are not alone.

Let July 13th serve as an annual reminder that each of us can make a difference in the life of another. Through simple acts of kindness and a shared commitment to serving others, we can ensure that Thomas’s spirit of compassion continues to illuminate our community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of North Chicago, Illinois, to be affixed this 19th day of October, 2026.

LEON ROCKINGHAM, JR., MAYOR

LORI L. COLLINS, CITY CLERK