Title
Also naming Madison Street between Gaul and Chatham Streets as “Tommy Dunbar Way”.
Body
WHEREAS, Port Richmond was not just the place where Tommy was born and raised it is also where he shared his time and talents to make our community better; and
WHEREAS, Tommy's youth took place in Port Richmond, from his early days of playing baseball for the Port Richmond Tigers and soccer at Cohocksink Recreation Center to his receiving his black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. He played with his friends at the Rizzo PAL Center, and was a member of the Port Richmond Theatre Company; and
WHEREAS, Tommy’s first job was as a paperboy, delivering the paper to his neighbors. Port Richmond molded Tommy in his youth, and it fostered his sense of community and service. As Tommy grew, he became more socially aware and sought out opportunities to help others. He volunteered his time to clean up Campbell Square, and helped to paint the tunnels that lead into the neighborhood. This social awareness grew into a passion. After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School and the University of Scranton, he returned to Port Richmond and continued to pour himself into the betterment of his community. He donated his time to the Rizzo PAL Center, who had granted him a partial four-year scholarship to college, as a way to show his gratitude. Tommy also advocated for the homeless through his time and efforts with the Brotherhood Mission; and
WHEREAS, Professionally, Tommy saw a lot of success as a project manager for the Daniel J. Keating Company. He became LEAD certified, which allowed him to contribute to the creation of construction with minimal carbon footprints. This is an example of Tommy caring not only for himself, but for his neighborhood, City and the world at large. He wanted to leave this world better than it was when he came into it. He was mindful of the affects his actions would have on the environment and the future; and
WHEREAS, In his short lifetime, Tommy did a lot of living. He traveled, hiked, biked and enjoyed all that the earth provided to him. He respected the world, and the people in it. He loved, and was loved. Tommy was a real presence. He represented what Port Richmond stands for- hard work, dedication and loyalty; and
WHEREAS, Tommy’s name is already imprinted amongst the streets of Port Richmond but having it physically emblazoned on a street sign for generations to come seems like a gesture as grand as Tommy's life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Madison Street between Gaul and Chatham Streets is also named Tommy Dunbar Way.
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