City Dedicates Street Section To Late Businessman, Community Leader

AURORA, IL — A stretch of Route 31 in Aurora has been dedicated to late businessman, community leader and U.S. Navy veteran Dan Dolan.

The Aurora native graduated from East Aurora High School. During the Korean War, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Knapp destroyer, according to a news release. A successful real estate developer, Dolan established Dolan and Murphy, Inc. in the 1960s.

Dolan died in February 2020, just after his 89th birthday. Now, Route 31, from East Illinois Avenue to East Indian Trail Road in Aurora, has been dedicated "Dan Dolan Way" to honor his life.

"Dan Dolan Way will remind all who drive this section of highway of the positive impact this great man had on so many," State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit said at the dedication ceremony Tuesday.

The City of Aurora sponsored the event that took place at 11 a.m. near the intersection of Route 31 and Indian Trail Road. Kifowit and State Rep. Keith Wheeler spoke at the event and dedicated a joint House of Representatives resolution honoring Dolan to his family members.

Kifowit and State Sen. Karina Villa presented the resolution, which was co-sponsored by Representatives Barbara Hernandez, Maura Hirschauer and Wheeler. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin was also among the guests at the event who shared remarks.

"This ceremony and permanent tribute to the life and memory of Dan Dolan is a fitting way to honor a person that contributed so much to his country and community," Kifowit said at the event. "Mr. Dolan was an iconic figure in Aurora, always putting [the] country and community first."