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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 
4Pete Bill Kastanes of Oak Lawn on April 25, 2026; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes was born in Oak Lawn on October 4, 
61963 and was raised in the South Shore, Roseland, and Ashburn 
7neighborhoods; he was a proud graduate of Bogan High School 
8and DeVry University; and
 
9    WHEREAS, After a successful career with American Express 
10Travel, Pete Kastanes found his true calling as the founder 
11and administrator of Vanished Chicagoland, a digital gold mine 
12of history celebrating the city's past businesses, 
13restaurants, and landmarks; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes amassed a following of more than a 
15quarter of a million people through his website, podcasts, and 
16social media presence, creating a vibrant community where 
17Chicagoans could share memories of pizzerias, toy stores, and 
18concert halls; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes recorded over 500 podcast episodes, 
20using his nearly photographic memory to transport listeners 
21back to the Chicago of their youth; and
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes received the Chicago History 
2Museum's Citizen Historian Award in February 2025 for making 
3history available to everyone and fostering a respectful, 
4nostalgia-driven community; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes was a man of the people whose zest 
6for life, sense of humor, and passion for storytelling will be 
7missed by all who knew him; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Pete Kastanes was the cherished son of Zoe and 
9the late Christ Kastanes; the proud brother of Bill and John; 
10and a dear nephew and cousin to many; therefore, be it
 
11    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
12HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
13we mourn the passing of Pete Bill Kastanes and extend our 
14sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the many 
15followers of Vanished Chicagoland; and be it further
 
16    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
17presented to the family of Pete Kastanes as an expression of 
18our deepest sympathy.