Latest news with #communityleader
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Business leader Cindy Ramos-Davidson dies at 69
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Longtime community leader and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce executive Cindy Ramos-Davidson has died at the age of 69, her family posted on social media. Ramos-Davidson stepped down as chief executive officer of the Hispanic Chamber in April to focus on her health and a battle with cancer. She had been with the Hispanic Chamber, a leading advocacy organization for small business in the El Paso region, for 27 years. Here is what her family posted on Sunday, June 1 via Facebook: 'With profound sadness, but also deep gratitude for her extraordinary life, we share that our beloved Cindy Ramos-Davidson has gained her angel wings.'After a courageous battle with pancreatic, colon cancer, and a stroke, Cindy passed peacefully early this morning (June 1), surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others. A fierce advocate, fearless leader, and lifelong champion of small businesses and underserved communities, Cindy leaves behind a legacy that spans generations and hearts across the nation.'There are no words big enough to capture what she meant to our family, our community, and the countless lives she touched. If you've read her story, seen her work, or simply stood in her presence — you know she was a force of nature and a light in this world.'True to her spirit, Cindy asked that we not rush. In honoring her wishes, we will take time to thoughtfully plan a Celebration of Life in August, open to all who knew her, loved her, or were touched by her work. This will allow loved ones from across the country, time to make arrangements and gather together in her honor.'Details will be shared soon. For now, we ask that you hold her in your heart, share your memories, and continue the work she believed in so deeply. She may no longer walk beside us, but her legacy lives on in every act of courage, love, and community we carry forward. Fly high, Mom. You have your wings now.' A GoFundMe has been created to support Ramos-Davidson's family and her legacy efforts. You can find out more by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former longtime West Homestead mayor dies at 97
A former longtime mayor in the Mon Valley has died at the age of 97. John Dindak retired in 2023 after serving as West Homestead's mayor for 50 years. At the time, he was the oldest and longest-serving mayor in the country. Dindak immigrated to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia at a young age and served in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War. His family released this statement: 'John J. Dindak was not only the patriarch of his family but the entire borough of West Homestead. He dedicated his life to public service and was mayor for more than 50 years. He was a Navy veteran who served in World War II and Korea. His favorite saying was 'get involved,' and he certainly lived up to that. John went by many names, but his personal favorite was 'sweet lips' because his passion was making us laugh, and he had a unique way of doing it. His family would joke that he spent so much time at the casino, he should have won more. But in reality, anyone who knew John, they were the winners and lucky to have had him so long, along with the memories they will cherish forever.' The Borough of West Homestead posted this statement to social media: 'It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of former Mayor John J. Dindak at the age of 97. Mayor Dindak dedicated over 53 years of his life in service to our community, both as a council member and as mayor. His unwavering commitment and leadership paved the way for a stronger, more connected community. His legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and tireless public service. Mayor Dindak will be deeply missed by all who knew him — both within our community and beyond. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Mayor Dindak. You will never be forgotten." By order of the borough's current mayor, all flags at the borough building were lowered to half-staff in Dindak's honor, the West Homestead Police Department says. Dindak's obituary can be found here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBC
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
This parkette is going to be named after a long-time North Bay city councillor
A long-time North Bay city councillor, businessman and community leader will soon have a parkette named in his honour. George Maroosis served on city council for a total of 34 years— including a 24-year stretch from 1982 to 2006— making him the longest serving council member at the time of his passing in 2023 at the age of 77. He also nearly became the Liberal MPP for Nipissing, losing a 2002 by-election by 19 votes to then Conservative candidate and future North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. Maroosis also served on multiple local not-for-profit boards, was the founding chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Board and owned and operated the KBros Maroosis Art Centre. Coun. Lana Mitchell said she first meet Maroosis at a meeting in West Ferris in 1985. "I quite blatantly shared my opinion about politicians that only cared about poor people at election time," she said. "The two councillors with him did not last long at that meeting." Mitchell said Maroosis pointed out that at the time, North Bay wasn't meeting the challenges of working poor families. "I've watched him work hard with people to create childcare, housing and employment opportunities for the citizens of North Bay," she said. "I've never met anyone who truly placed value on people from all walks of life, respected everyone's point of view and never judged people." 'His legacy will carry on' Coun. Gary Gardiner said Maroosis was always willing to take time to speak with others. "We would talk for hours sometimes on all kinds of issues," he said. "He was always great to listen to you. And he offered me, I think the greatest advice, was never to take yourself too seriously and to respect other people's opinions." Coun. Chris Mayne said he worked on council with Maroosis for many years. He shared a story about visiting Maroosis at his store. "George had a secret garden where he could go and have a smoke," he said. "It was a beautiful little garden. But no one ever knew about it because you really had to be invited by George back there." North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said he saw Maroosis shortly before his death, when the former long-time councillor told him: "surprisingly, you're doing a really good job." "I wasn't quite sure how to take that," he said. "We had a good chuckle and unfortunately that afternoon, I learned that he had passed away. That was a tough day for the family, tough day for the City of North Bay. But his legacy will carry on with the dedication of this parkette." The motion to name the park after Maroosis passed unanimously.
