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August Anthony Sallas “Augie”. Age 86 of the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago died peacefully on April 1, 2022 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of his late wife Margaret (nee Perez). Loving father of Victoria Ann, August, Jr. (late) (Julie Tourville), Laurie, Jacqueline (Daniel J. Ansted), Julie, and Gregory (Lynn Borgini). Loving grandfather to Dave Misner, his father David Misner (late); Mark Sallas (Erin Delegan), Tara (Brad Cozzie), Jillian, Anthony ‘Tony’ (Sherry Flinn), Matthew (late) (Samantha Lakie) Sallas, their mother MaryBeth (nee Favia); Jennifer and Brooke Sallas; and great-grandfather to many. He was a devoted brother to Joseph (late Mary Lou) Sallas and uncle to Joseph Jr. (late), Peter (late), Lawrence (late), Cynthia (Joseph) Davis, and Jon (Deanna Laughlin) Sallas. Dear cousin to his family in Freeport, Texas.
Augie was born on the South side of Chicago to parents Lawrence and Victoria Lara. Losing both parents at a young age, Augie was raised in Angel Guardian Orphanage on the north side of Chicago. He then lived in Freeport, Texas, for a year with his grandfather, Ignacio Cabrera. At the age of 14, Augie returned to Chicago to live with his step-grandfather, Mike Lopez.
Augie attended Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) and learned the printing trade. He established himself as a journeyman printer and he joined the Chicago Typographical Union (CTU) Local 16. As an active trade unionist within the ranks of CTU Local 16, he was elected thirteen times, serving over 25 years, in various union positions. He was elected president of Chicago Typographical Union Local 16 and has the distinction of being the only Mexican-American to be elected president of the oldest trade union in Chicago.
After his printing union career, Augie worked in City Hall under the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley for fourteen years. Serving as manager of customer service and as a tour guide. Here he gained his extensive knowledge of the inner workings of City Hall and honed his skill of assisting and helping others.
Augie was the president of the Hispanic American Labor Council, president of the Mexican American Youth Athletic Association [MAYAA] amateur boxing club, a columnist for the Lawndale News and The Hispanic Times. Served as a member of the Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez Hispanic Advisory Council and produced many TV shows at Chicago Cable Access Corp. studio. He was the president of the Little Village Community Council for 15 years.
He was a dedicated public servant. Augie knew and understood the needs of his neighborhood and he committed himself to bring resources, goods and services to the residents of the Little Village.
Augie was able to organize and coordinate projects, events, and services as the President of the Little Village Community Council. The following are a few examples:
Piotrowski Park swimming pool
Advocated construction for new elementary and high schools in Little Village
Organized multiple events in conjunction with the City Clerk’s office: Kid’s I.D.; Seniors Medical I.D.
Brought the Secretary of State Mobile Unit to Little Village: Illinois Photo ID cards
Free Legal Clinics: Expungement workshops; US Citizen Prep classes; legal counseling
U.S. Passport Application Day
English classes
Job fairs
Free Haircuts & Manicures
Annual “Back to School” Block Party
Annual Christmas Toys give-away for children in Little Village
Free food and clothing drives
Repair of the Centenario Clock located in the Arch in Little Village
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of August "Augie" A. Sallas, please visit our floral store.