Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero

This month we introduce in these pages, the highly respected and hardworking mayor of the city of Berwyn, Illinois. Robert J. Lovero. Having been born at Mother Cabrini Hospital in the Taylor Street Neighborhood and residing in Berwyn for the last 50 years, Bob has embraced his Italian-American heritage as an integral part of his life in public service.

Both parents trace their roots to the Calabria region (though Bob’s dad also has some Hispanic roots as well). Throughout this time he has had the support of his family, including father Thomas (deceased), mother Alba, brother Scott, wife Gail, son Thomas, daughters Danielle and Gabrielle, and grandsons Robert and Matthew.

Bob was raised with a strong sense of Italian-American heritage and defines his upbringing in a classical Italian-American fashion. From the time his was a young boy, his father and mother taught him that through respect, education and hard work, he could achieve personal and professional success, which he certainly has, along with the respect of everyone he comes into contact with.

Bob began his education in Berwyn, graduating from St. Mary of Celle Grammar School, continued on to graduate from Fenwick High, proceeded to Loyola University where he graduated with a degree in bachelor of science with a major in criminal justice before receiving his doctorate at Northern Illinois University College of Law and passing the bar in 1981.

Like many Italian Americans of his generation, Bob was required to work various jobs while pursuing his education. Whether he was working the third shift at a paper mill, hanging drywall in the summer heat or unloading freight at the docks, Bob has always had a deep respect for hard work.

In 1982, after becoming a licensed attorney, Bob served as Assistant City Attorney and City Prosecutor to the City of Berwyn. He also practiced at a few Chicago law firms, concentrating in real estate law and trial work, before opening his own law practice within Berwyn that continues today.

Bob has been an active member in the following organizations: West Central Municipal Conference (Executive Board from 11/2010 to present), American Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, West Suburban Bar Association, Justinian Society of Lawyers, Illinois State Bar Association, the Italian-American Civic Organization of Berwyn (President 1996 to 1998 and 2010 Man of the Year), Berwyn Democratic Organization, Township Democratic Committeeman (2005 to Present), Berwyn Township 708 Mental Health Board (1987 to 1990), Berwyn Development Corporation, Blue Ribbon Historical Committee, Local Law Enforcement Advisory Board, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity – Sir Edward Coke Chapter, Alpha Delta Gamma National Fraternity (Alpha Chapter – President), and co-chairman of the Berwyn Holiday Fund.

With his parents instilling strong Italian-American values, Bob’s public service experience started in his youth while participating in Boy Scout Troop 63 at St. Mary of Celle in Berwyn; he rose through the ranks and earned the achievement of Eagle Scout.

He continued serving the City of Berwyn as 7th Ward Alderman from November 2000 to April of 2009. Elected as Berwyn’s Mayor in May of 2009, Bob has played a vital role in the business development renaissance occurring within the City. His reputation as Mayor is that of a young, aggressive and charismatic visionary, one whose only agenda is to improve his life-long community of Berwyn. Bob recently ran unopposed for his second term in office. His present term runs until 2017.

In addition to redeveloping the business corridors within Berwyn, Bob has also been a generous benefactor to various local non-profit organizations that serve the community. Over the last few years, Bob has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and the South and North Berwyn Educational Foundations, and he has supported scholarships for Berwyn residents and run enormously successful food and toy drives annually.

Bob hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner to feed Berwyn residents in need and provides food to shut-ins each year. Every year he provides several hundred food baskets to needy families during the Christmas season and helps host hundreds of sailors on Christmas Day.

With over 25 years of service behind him, Bob shows no sign of slowing down and continues to serve the residents of Berwyn through leadership and public service.