Before Louis S. Viverito was a township supervisor, a state senator, or a driving force behind Stickney Township’s public health district, he was a barber. His path from cutting hair to cutting red tape was unexpected—but, as he tells it, deeply rewarding.
“I was running a barbershop when I got involved,” Viverito said. “The city of Burbank was just starting, and I was asked to help.”
That invitation led to a decades-long career in public service. First elected township supervisor in 1973, Viverito oversaw Stickney Township’s growth, strengthened public health initiatives, and helped shape the community that many residents now say they “don’t want to leave.”
As he prepares to step away, Viverito reflects on his proudest accomplishments. Among them is the township’s designation as a public health district—one of only a few in the state.
Under his leadership, health services expanded from basic care to include dentistry, podiatry, and mental health resources.
“We have 350 young and unwed mothers in our WIC program,” he said. “We’ve made sure people here receive the care they need.”
He also spearheaded the creation of the LSV Center for senior citizens. “When someone loses a spouse, they need a place to go—a place where they can play bingo, watch a movie, or just spend time with others,” he said. “We built that for them.”
Despite his long list of achievements, Viverito remains humble about his journey. He recalls a time when his qualifications were questioned during an election.
“He put in the paper that he was a lawyer, and I was only a barber,” Viverito said. “I countered with: ‘Who do you trust more?’”
The people of Stickney Township put their trust in him for more than 50 years.
He also represented the Illinois Senate 11th District from 1995 until his resignation in 2011.
A legacy of service
Viverito’s retirement doesn’t mean he’ll disappear from township affairs. He plans to offer guidance when needed, particularly on projects such as a solar initiative for the LSV Center.
“I’ll be here if they need advice—whether it’s on budgetary issues, grants, or any of the things we’ve worked hard on,” he said. “I don’t want anything in return—just to help if I can.”
His daughter, Diane, is set to step into the role of township supervisor. She is running unopposed in the April 1 election.
She has spent years preparing for the position, meeting with department heads and staff to familiarize herself with operations as she steps into the role.
Diane’s career has been defined by education and international outreach. She served as director of international students at Moraine Valley Community College for 34 years, wrote the school’s first grant for international students, and earned advanced degrees after studying abroad in India.
“She has seen so many things,” Viverito said. “She’s very conscious of people’s feelings, and I think that’s important.”
A well-earned retirement
While stepping away from public service is a difficult decision, Viverito is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Carolyn, to whom he has been married for 73 years—a love story that began when they met in grade school.
“I’ve known her since we were kids,” he said. “We grew up together.”
He admits retirement won’t be easy.
“It’s going to be an adjustment,” he said. “I’ve been working all my life, and this is a big change.”
Still, he joked that Carolyn hasn’t kicked him out of the house yet.
“After all these years, she still doesn’t mind me coming home,” he said with a laugh.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s time,” he added.
“I’ve been fortunate to serve, and I hope the work we’ve done here continues to benefit the people of Stickney Township.”
The post Viverito retires after decades of public service, daughter Diane to step in as supervisor appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.