Longtime volunteer Bob Gorecki receives Charlemagne Award

ST. CHARLES – The contributions of lifelong St. Charles resident Bob Gorecki have touched every part of the community.

Gorecki was the recipient of this year's Charlemagne Award during the 98th annual Charlemagne Awards gala Friday at the Q Center in St. Charles. He was the 54th recipient of the award.

"Tonight, we honor the lifetime achievement for an individual who has dedicated their time, efforts, and talent to making this community the great place it is today and demonstrates the very essence behind the Legend of Charlemagne," 2019 St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Sharon Spero said, in announcing Gorecki as this year's winner. "The legend reveals that Charlemagne left his four sons as guardians of St. Charles, to see that this city becomes a community where people could live, raise a family, work, have a business, be educated, worship and play. The winner of tonight's Charlemagne Award has contributed in all facets of this vision, as represented by his life-long commitment to his family, church, clients, country and local citizenry, and it's truly an honor to recognize him this evening."

As Spero noted, Gorecki started volunteering at a young age.

"He started his volunteering at the age of 10, offering to be a crossing guard for students at Lincoln Elementary School," she said.

Gorecki, a licensed attorney for 64 years, has worn many hats over the years – including being a former board chairman of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and former St Charles city attorney. He also is a former police commissioner and former fire commissioner.

Prior to his wife, Janet, passing in 2014, they provided leadership and support for many local charities, including Lazarus House, Hesed House, The American Red Cross and Delnor Hospital, where they chaired many of their fundraising balls. They were also well known for their community service and philanthropy throughout Kane County.

His family has deep roots in St. Charles. Gorecki's parents immigrated to the United States from Poland in the late 1880s and shortly after the turn of the century, moved to St. Charles. In the early 1900s, the family purchased property along the river and founded the St. Charles Nickel Works company.

A hydroelectric water wheel supplied power to the company for more than 35 years. The water wheel still stands at the northwest corner of 1st Avenue and the Illinois bridge.

A Korean War veteran, Gorecki is a longtime member of the St. Charles VFW Post 5036 and the American Legion. In accepting the award, he downplayed the contributions he has made.

"I love this community and have been here for 90 some years," Gorecki said. "I know there's many people that deserve this more than I do. I humbly accept the award and thank you very much."