A well-known businessman met a tragic fate when he was struck by three vehicles at a bustling suburban intersection. Identified as 69-year-old Thomas Yucuis of East Dundee, the incident occurred at the junction of Illinois Route 31 and Miller Road in Dundee Township early Monday morning. Yucuis, the owner of a beloved butcher shop, was walking in the southbound lanes of Route 31, cloaked in dark attire when he was hit successively by a Chevrolet Cruze, a black Acura sedan, and a gray Cadillac sedan.
The news of Yucuis’ untimely death reverberated through the local community and beyond. His butcher shop, a cherished establishment in Lake in the Hills for over twenty years, had recently been recognized as the “Business of the Year in Hospitality/Food/Entertainment” by the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber expressed their profound sorrow at the loss, acknowledging the impact Yucuis had on the lives of many with his generosity and genuine connections within the community.
Greg Urban, the executive director of the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce, poignantly described Yucuis as a beacon of local entrepreneurship, known for his philanthropy, dedication, and unwavering support for various charitable causes. “Tom embodied the true spirit of what it is to be a local business owner. He leaves that legacy with his family,” Urban remarked, highlighting Yucuis’ enduring mark on the community.
Ray Bogdanowski, the Village President of Lake in the Hills, also mourned the loss of Yucuis, emphasizing his enduring commitment to Butcher on the Block and the community at large. Bogdanowski’s heartfelt message, shared on social media, reflected the sentiment of the entire community, extending sympathies to Yucuis’ family and colleagues during this trying period.
In the wake of Yucuis’ passing, the Lake in the Hills Police Department joined the outpouring of condolences, recognizing the profound impact Yucuis had on the community and expressing gratitude for his contributions. The department’s message echoed the sentiments of many who had been touched by Yucuis’ kindness and dedication to his craft.
Tributes poured in from various local businesses, each offering their own heartfelt remembrances of Yucuis. The Parkside Pub reminisced about shared moments at the Huntley Fall Fest, while Bubs Subs, a long-time patron of Yucuis’ butcher shop, paid homage to his legacy as a local legend and a cherished member of the community. The overwhelming support and fond memories shared by these businesses reflected the deep-rooted connections Yucuis had forged over the years.
The tragic loss of Thomas Yucuis serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through his dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his craft and community, Yucuis leaves behind a legacy that will endure for years to come. As the community mourns the loss of a beloved businessman and friend, the memory of Thomas Yucuis will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
