Lockport Township Honors Legacy of George Mushro with Commemorative Room

Engaged residents observing the newly unveiled memorial.

A special ceremony was held at the Lockport Township Government Building on Thursday, Feb. 15, as the community gathered to commemorate the enduring legacy of the late George Joseph Mushro Jr.

In a gesture of profound respect and gratitude, according to a press release, the Lockport Township Government office formally dedicated the room used for monthly board meetings as the “Mushro Legacy Room.”

The Mushro Legacy Room not only honors Mushro, but also serves as a tribute to other departed Lockport Township leaders, including the late Highway Commissioner John Cielenski, Trustee Herman Alberico and Supervisor Patricia Hartley.

A plaque on the room’s exterior bears the inscription, “The Mushro Legacy Room – In Remembrance of Past Leaders Who Have Served the People of Lockport Township.”

The room features a portrait of Mushro, alongside a collage of pictures commemorating other deceased township leaders.

“Much like how George’s legacy was about being the Township Clerk and his duty was to keep the records of the township, it is fitting that this room dedicated to past leaders be named after George, seeing as he can be the keeper of their records in perpetuity,” said Township Supervisor Alex Zapien.

Born in Joliet on June 6, 1943, George Joseph Mushro Jr. peacefully
departed on Nov. 25, 2023. A wake was held on Dec. 6, 2023, at O’Neil Funeral Home in Lockport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dennis Church.

With 35 years of unwavering service to the Lockport Township Government board, according to the release, Mushro served with distinction as both a Township Trustee and the Township Clerk until his retirement in 2014.

He was known as a community leader who bridged divides and connected with individuals from all backgrounds and political affiliations. His impactful contributions include the establishment of the Gale Gardens senior residence area and the initiation of early voting at the Lockport Township Office.

The commemorative ceremony commenced at 6 p.m.; those who knew George were invited to share kind words or cherished memories.

Following brief speeches, a specially crafted plaque designating the room as the “Mushro Legacy Room” was unveiled, accompanied by framed pictures of George and other the other late township officials adorning the walls inside the room.

Denise Mushro-Rumchak, George’s sister and retired Lockport Township Clerk, as well as Kimberly Downs and Bart Mushro, George’s children, expressed gratitude, stating, “the family of George Mushro is humbled and grateful for this memory to remain at the township where he served the people and community that he loved.”

Anyone wishing to visit the memorial can stop by the Lockport

Township Office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Additional pictures and memorial tokens are welcome.

For additional information, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at 815-838-0380.