Niles trustees, mayor remember resident Norbert Johnson as ‘one in a million … epitome of being a volunteer'
The Niles Village Board offered a posthumous tribute to a revered resident and former county deputy sheriff known for his local volunteerism and community camaraderie.
Norbert Johnson died in February at the age of 94. The board approved at a recent meeting adoption of a proclamation in his honor – which was read aloud – recognizing his life's work
'Norbert was definitely one in a million,' mayor George Alpogianis said in an interview with Pioneer Press. 'He was the epitome of being a volunteer and giving back to the community. He was one of those citizens we cannot ever forget.'
According to a biography on Johnson, he was a Cook County deputy sheriff, a clerk for Cook County probate court in the Daley Center for 27 years and was the owner of Johnson Real Estate Co.
Additionally, he was president of the Niles Lions Club 10 times, co-founded the Niles Crime Stoppers, and was a member of the Niles Optimist Club, St. John Brebeuf and the Niles Senior Center Men's Club. Johnson was also a life member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and the Niles Historical Society, and a dedicated volunteer at Misericordia, according to his bio.
'Norbert Johnson's life stands as an example of selflessness, service, and leadership, his contributions enriching the lives of so many individuals in Niles and beyond, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations to serve their communities with the same passion and dedication,' president pro-tem John Jekot read from the village proclamation during the March 25 meeting.
Alpogianis had proclaimed March 25 'Norbert Johnson Day' in Niles.
'We need, as a community, to recognize people like Norbert who touch the hearts of people, so we can inspire others to do the same thing,' Alpogianis told Pioneer Press, recognizing Johnson for his 'old school dedication' and loyalty to volunteering with clubs such as the Lions Club.
'It takes a village, that's what we're doing in recognizing Norbert who died in the community and was part of the nucleus of what makes Niles, Niles,' the mayor said.
Johnson also served on various committees of the Niles Chamber of Commerce and was honored as the Ken Scheel Chamber Member of the Year in 2007, and was a recipient of the Robert C. Wordel Living Legend Award in 2017.
Since 2000, Johnson had managed the Clark Halladay Memorial Foundation, securing over $90,000 in grants for numerous local organizations, according to his bio.
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