[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   HONORING THE WORK OF ALLAN MELLIS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2026

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
achievements of Allan Mellis. Allan passed away peacefully at 81 years-
old at Illinois Masonic Hospital on Sunday, April 26, 2026. After 
joining the Wrightwood Neighbors Association board in 1974, he remained 
there for over 50 years, serving a two-year stint as president.
  Allan was brought to Chicago through his work for IBM where he was 
responsible for, and the first employee of, IBM's desktop publishing 
department. Allan quickly became an integral part of the community and 
served Wrightwood Neighbors, Lincoln Park, and Chicago for decades. 
Even after suffering a stroke in 2021, Allan, a master negotiator, 
fiercely advocated for one of the most densely populated neighborhoods 
in the city.
  Allan spearheaded a yearslong campaign to transform Lincoln Park 
library, including designing plans and securing funding. Today, it's 
one of the busiest library branches in Chicago. He was a firm supporter 
of disabled rights and helped make Fullerton Station accessible to 
disabled riders in 2008. He helped to start the Taste of Lincoln Avenue 
street festival, which has been replicated in similar events around the 
city. He was affectionately known as ``the mayor of Lincoln Park'' and 
that is reflected by the 93 boxes of his community papers housed at 
DePaul university. Allan also collected over 30,000 items of ice cream 
memorabilia throughout his life, a portion of which has been on display 
at the Museum of Science and Industry for fifty years, earning him the 
nickname ``Mr. Ice Cream.''
  Allan's legacy will be one of caring for the community, being a good 
neighbor, and consistently performing small selfless acts to create a 
lasting impact on those around you. Evidence of his decadeslong 
commitment to his community will endure for years to come throughout 
Lincoln Park.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in recognizing Allan's five 
decades of service and his commitment to, and success in, improving 
every community he was a part of.

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