As you travel along portions of Spangler Avenue, you may notice a blue street sign that reads Drdak Way. This honor was bestowed upon a longtime family of the community that has spent countless hours volunteering, establishing organizations, and being active in Romeoville.
“Paul, Lilian, Robert, and Mildred Drdak, without a doubt, deserve this honor for all they have done and meant to our community,” stated Mayor John Noak.
Paul was a coach, mentor, member of the Romeoville Jaycees, member and President of the Romeoville Golden Age Club, founding member of the Hampton Park Social Athletic Club and Romeoville Historical Society, and served as the Romeoville Village Clerk from May 1973 – October 1976.
Lillian volunteered in the schools, was a member and president of the Romeoville Golden Age Club, and a founding member of the Romeoville Historical Society.
Robert was a founding member and president of the Hampton Park Social Athletic Club, a member and president of the Romeoville Jaycees and Holy Name Society (now known as the Knights of Columbus), a founding member of the Romeoville Historical Society, and a coach for numerous sports teams. He volunteered for many committees, volunteered for the Founder’s Day parade for years and helped with three census campaigns.
Mildred was a founding member of the Romeoville Historical Society, a member and president of both the Romeoville Jaycees and Romeoville Counsel of Catholic Women, a Girl Scout Leader, ran the Miss Romeoville pageant for years, volunteered with the school district, started reading and arts & crafts programs while working at the library, and was named the governor’s Woman of the Year. She was born in Romeoville in 1927, but her family (Startz) had settled the area in 1896.
The honorary designation is through the Village of Romeoville’s Commemorative Program, a unique opportunity for residents to honor a current or former community member and to recognize individuals that have made a significant contribution or impact on the community. In addition to street signs, options include benches, trees, parks, pavilions, and more. To learn more about the Commemorative Program, click here.