Former Lemont Mayor Celebrates 90th Birthday

LEMONT, IL — Long-time Lemonter Joe Forzley is known around town for his involvement in the community and for being a former mayor. Forzley, who celebrated his 90th birthday in July at the Lemont Township Community Center, served as mayor of Lemont from 1989-1993.

"It's changed dramatically," the LHS class of '45 graduate said. He graduated from the high school with 42 other students. Forzley praised the mayors who came after him, including current mayor John Egofske.

"They all did a great job," he said, adding that several mayors guided Lemont through a period of growth in the community.

Before he served as mayor, Forzley also served as a village board trustee. During his mayoral term, a tornado struck Lemont in 1991, causing millions in damage and damaging hundreds of homes. Forzley remembers the destruction and how the community came together.

Other milestones in Forzley's mayoral term included Ruffled Feathers coming into the community, the Lemont quarry trails being worked on, as well as parking for the Metra train.

Photo provided by the Forzley family.