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Also naming the 7800 block of Saturn place "Leonard K. Brundage Way", to honor the life and legacy of Eastwick native and lifelong Philadelphian, Leonard K. Brundage.
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WHEREAS, Brundage was born on May 19, 1944 in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia, until his family was forced through eminent domain to relocate from the neighborhood in 1958 due to concerns related to flooding; and
WHEREAS, Brundage was educated in the Philadelphia school system. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country for 2 years; and
WHEREAS, When he returned home, he became a union ironworker with Local 401. As a member of Local 401, he worked on many transformative projects in Philadelphia including some of the tallest buildings that make up the city's current skyline; and
WHEREAS, Brundage experienced a harsh racial climate in this work environment. He and his 2 colleagues won a lawsuit against the company that would secure important protections for black ironworkers and help increase diversity in the building trades; and
WHEREAS, During his free time, Brundage enjoyed photography and jazz music. He attended Settlement School to study classical piano under Sumi Tanaka. Mr. Brundage brought together his passion for jazz and love for Philadelphia when he co-wrote a song entitled "Philadelphia is a Beautiful Place"; and
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Mr. Brundage developed a love of nature and became an avid gardener, chess player, and deep-sea fisherman. Mr. Brundage also dedicated his energy to improving quality of life in his beloved Eastwick neighborhood. Not long after he moved to Saturn Place, he became the 7800 block's first block captain, a labor of love that he would continue for the remainder of his life; and
WHEREAS, In August 1999, Hurricane Floyd devastated Brundage's neighborhood with storm surges and overwhelming floods. He fought at every level of government to get assistance for his community. He contacted renowned environmental ac...
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