Little Village activist, helper also worked with Chuy Garcia

Raul Montes Sr., 72, a longtime Little Village activist who also worked with U.S. Rep Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, died from COVID-19 last week, according to family.

Jose Montes said his father was a helper in the Little Village community who cared for the neighborhood children as if they were his own and loved his community. He was appointed ward superintendent in the 22nd Ward for the Department of Streets and Sanitation in 1990. He retired in 2010.

“Raul created a block club in our neighborhood that worked to improve and beautify homes, backyards, and streets. They installed lamps in their front lawns, planted sod in parkways, and established block watches and activities for children and teens,” Garcia said in a statement. “He was the most effective and loved captain in the 22nd Ward, who knew how to persuade people to exercise their right to vote. His hard work helped me, and many others, win elected office early in my career.”

Raul Montes Sr. was born Aug. 9, 1948, in Chihuahua, Mexico, and brought to the U.S. in September 1965. His first job was as a busboy at Marshall Fields on State Street. He began working at Western Electric in 1967 where he met his wife, Maria Gutierrez. The couple was married in the Little Village neighborhood and have three sons Miguel, Raul Jr. and Jose.

He later began working at the Department of Human Services and the Department of Aviation before becoming ward superintendent.

Raul Montes Sr. was diagnosed with COVID-19 and his condition got progressively worse, according to family. He died Jan. 23 after a week on a ventilator at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Jose Montes said.

“My dad wanted to help people in our community as much as he can,” he said. “He was a good neighbor. He would put lamps in front of people’s houses or help with projects.”

Jose Montes was born just as his dad became more involved in politics in the 1980s, he said. He recalls his dad hosting block parties in Little Village and frequently driving down streets and alleys to chat with neighbors and address service requests. He regularly attended neighborhood gatherings and meetings.

Raul Montes Jr., an activist in Little Village, said his father’s activism and presence in the community influenced him. He remembers his father working with Garcia and bringing him and his brothers on trips around the neighborhood to canvass for politicians.

“My dad motivated me, he got me involved in the community at a young age,” Raul Montes Jr. said. “He wanted the kids in the neighborhood to be good, to not get in trouble. He got us involved in the community.”

Raul Montes Jr. said the congressman called his father at the hospital.

Since his death, Jose Montes said he has received calls from people telling him stories about his dad doing favors.

“I never realized how many hearts and lives my dad had impacted in so many ways,” he said. “He was a straight-laced, honest man who believed things in life had to be done the right way.”