HONORING THE WORK OF ALLAN MELLIS

On 2026-06-08, Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE WORK OF ALLAN MELLIS" in the House.

HONORING THE WORK OF ALLAN MELLIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E537] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE WORK OF ALLAN MELLIS _____ HON. MIKE QUIGLEY of illinois in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of Allan Mellis. Allan passed away peacefully at 81 years- old at Illinois Masonic Hospital on Sunday, April 26, 2026. After joining the Wrightwood Neighbors Association board in 1974, he remained there for over 50 years, serving a two-year stint as president. Allan was brought to Chicago through his work for IBM where he was responsible for, and the first employee of, IBM's desktop publishing department. Allan quickly became an integral part of the community and served Wrightwood Neighbors, Lincoln Park, and Chicago for decades. Even after suffering a stroke in 2021, Allan, a master negotiator, fiercely advocated for one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city. Allan spearheaded a yearslong campaign to transform Lincoln Park library, including designing plans and securing funding. Today, it's one of the busiest library branches in Chicago. He was a firm supporter of disabled rights and helped make Fullerton Station accessible to disabled riders in 2008. He helped to start the Taste of Lincoln Avenue street festival, which has been replicated in similar events around the city. He was affectionately known as ``the mayor of Lincoln Park'' and that is reflected by the 93 boxes of his community papers housed at DePaul university. Allan also collected over 30,000 items of ice cream memorabilia throughout his life, a portion of which has been on display at the Museum of Science and Industry for fifty years, earning him the nickname ``Mr. Ice Cream.'' Allan's legacy will be one of caring for the community, being a good neighbor, and consistently performing small selfless acts to create a lasting impact on those around you. Evidence of his decadeslong commitment to his community will endure for years to come throughout Lincoln Park. Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in recognizing Allan's five decades of service and his commitment to, and success in, improving every community he was a part of. ____________________