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Also naming the 5200 block of West Berks Street as “Charles ‘Chucky’ Rainey, Jr., Way,” in honor of Charles Rainey, Jr., to commemorate his legacy as the “Ambassador of Wynnefield” and long-time dedication to the residents of the Wynnefield neighborhood of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Charles "Chucky" Rainey, Jr. was born April 29, 1958. His parents Phyllis and the late Charles Rainey, Sr. say he was "born in a hurry" to begin his purpose; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong Wynnefield resident, Chucky was raised at the family home 5248 West Berks St. He attended Mann Elementary School, Beeber Junior Highschool, University City High School, and Community College of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Chucky worked at Metropolitan Hospital, was a devout follower of Islam and loved all of his family; and
WHEREAS, Chucky was an avid reader, movie and sports buff, especially basketball. Chucky was responsible for keeping the basketball courts up for the youth on the abandoned school yard at BWAP, 53rd and Euclid Streets, which they nicknamed "The Slanted Corner"; and
WHEREAS, Chucky organized the "Brothers of Wynnefield," a group of young men in the Wynnefield community dedicated to mentoring the youth through sports and events aimed at bettering the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Chucky founded the “54th and Berks St. Annual Reunion,” which later became the “Wynnefield Family Reunion.” The event started out with feeding a few friends and grew over the years to feeding over 400 community residents. The Reunion celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Chucky was also an integral part of the formation of the Wynnefield Community Development Corporation (WCDC), a non-profit offshoot of the Wynnefield Reunion. WCDC was responsible for feeding the elderly and shut-ins, identifying vacant properties for community use and working closely with the City on other community projects; and
WHEREAS, Chucky had an unfortunate accident early in life, but he still accomplished many milestones and achievements without a single complaint. He remained positive about life and strived to be all he could be and encouraged others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Charles "Chucky" Rainey, Jr., went home to meet the Lord October 8, 2010; and
WHEREAS, His dedication and love of the Wynnefield community should be memorialized; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the legacy and dedicated service of Charles “Chucky” Rainey, Jr., to Philadelphia and Wynnefield residents is honored, and the 5200 Block of West Berks Street shall henceforth be known as “Charles ‘Chucky’ Rainey, Jr., Way.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Charles “Chucky” Rainey, Jr., as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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