Assistant scoutmaster for Troop 979 in Jefferson Park dies during hike at Minnesota camp 

by BRIAN NADIG

A 28-year-old assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 979 in Jefferson Park died unexpectedly after suffering a medical emergency while leading a group of boy scouts on an hike at a camp in Northern Minnesota on Friday, July 26.

Scout leaders performed CPR to try to revive Alexander R. Nunes, who had collapsed, and emergency personnel were called, but he could not be revived, according to a letter sent to troop families. The group was about a hour from where it was going to camp for the night.

Support services were later provided to scouts at the camp. The troop is sponsored by the Congregational Church of Jefferson Park.

Alex was one of several former members of the troop who serve as assistant scoutmasters. The troop has had more than 200 Eagle Scouts, including three generations in one family, since the mid-1950s. Alumni often get together to play basketball and volunteer for the troop, and some have been playing in a music group.

“In sharing his knowledge, his passions, his talents and his unique wit, Alex always made time to bring common sense and provide assistance to anyone who asked him for help. Alex exemplified the motto ‘do a good turn daily.’

“After ultimately reaching the rank of Eagle Scout at the end of high school, he returned to become an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 979, hoping to pass on the skills, experiences and commitment to the principles of the Oath. He was doing just that when he passed,” according to a notice on the website for Cumberland Chapels.

Alex was the younger son of Marcus and Amy (Boli) Nunes and brother to his loving siblings, sister Katherine Cantu (Derek) and brother Marc (Laura), and eventually he would become the “funcle” to Gianna and Luca, according to the notice. Alex also leaves behind many caring relatives, including his uncles, aunts and cousins.

“ He graduated from Saint Juliana Elementary School and went on to play football and wrestle at Notre Dame College Prep high school, which helped teach him fortitude, self-reliance and confidence in the face of challenge. He attended DePaul University and graduated summa cum laude both with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2018 and a Master’s Degree in Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse in 2019.

“While there he was blessed to meet Julia (nee Vasquez), who became the light and love of his life, eventually marrying in 2022. After graduation he traveled to China to teach English, returning in 2020 one step ahead of Covid. After caring for his mother during her fight with cancer and then his new-born niece, he joined the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council as a grants administrator, where he began to serve the local community,” the notice said.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Troop 979 of the Boy Scouts of America would be appreciated. 

Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 4, at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Services will take place at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, proceeding from the funeral home to St. Juliana Church, 7201 N. Oketo Ave. for the funeral mass at 11 a.m. Interment immediately thereafter at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. For more information visit www.cumberlandchapels.com or call Cumberland at 708-456-8300.

• 
  CTA targets fare evaders to reduce violent crime; disappointment expressed in release of suspected shooter at Jefferson Park terminal
  by BRIAN NADIG Violent offenses reportedly are down 34 percent on the CTA from a year ago as the agency targets a section of the Red Line where criminals are boarding, while a shootout at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal last summer remains under investigation. CTA security vice president Kevin Ryan addressed many crime and
• 
  Crime Watch: gunfire reported on Berteau, car break-ins reported, robbery reported in store lot
  Two men reported that a man fired shots at them at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 5300 block of West Berteau Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. A 25-year-old man reported that he was talking to a neighbor, who was sitting inside his parked vehicle, when a man approached them and fired several shots, according to police.
• 
  Sip & Shop set for Oct. 17 in ‘Jeff West’; NW Side Halloween events also set
  The second annual “Sip and Shop” in “Jeff West” will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, running along Lawrence Avenue from Austin Avenue on the west and Major Avenue on the east. The event had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but was postponed due to rain. It will feature many of the existing businesses
• 
  Entertainment industry trade union seeks zoning change for former car repair garage on Montrose Ave.
  by BRIAN NADIG The site of a former auto repair garage at 4301 W. Montrose Ave. would be used for storage and outdoor training for an entertainment-related trade union under a zoning proposal. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 of Chicago has a facility at 4300 W. Montrose Ave. and is looking
• 
  Fight, robbery reported during after-party at Jefferson Park recording studio near Milwaukee & Lawrence avenues
  A 23-year-old man reported that he was beaten and robbed during an altercation at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at an after-party at a recording studio at 4803 N. Milwaukee Ave., according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. The man reported that he and a friend had been invited to the party and while

This is just part of today’s coverage. Get the full story - every article, every ad, every page. Subscribe now.

The Latest From Our Community