A message was delivered to the Addison Trail community in the District 88 newsletter last week from Principal Jack Andrews, who shared the sad news that Addison Trail student Joey Banks had passed away. Andrews’ message is below followed by the obituary.
“It is with great sadness we share the news that Addison Trail student Joseph “Joey” Banks passed away on Aug. 23.
“Joey was a member of the class of 2023 and planned to attend the District 88 Transition Program next year, which helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88. He had started developing these skills with Addison Trail vocational coaches by working at Clarendale of Addison. He was a true Addison Trail Blazer in every sense of the word and made an impact throughout our school community.
“Joey was involved in our Best Buddies club (which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with a variety of abilities) and our Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation event, and he enjoyed his grand welcome to Addison Trail. Joey was one of those students who everyone knew and loved. His warm personality had a positive effect on all those around him, and he always had a smile on his face.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with Joey’s family and friends, and we will continue to help each other through this difficult time. Our social workers, psychologists and counselors are available for those who need support.
“To honor, celebrate and remember Joey, students and staff participated in a variety of events. Those include members of our Girls Volleyball Team wearing green ribbons (which is the color associated with cerebral palsy awareness) during their Aug. 24 game against Maine East, student performance groups wearing green ribbons during our first home football game of the season on Aug. 26, staff and students wearing green on Aug. 26 (including during the class of 2023 Senior Sunrise event) and student council decorating the commons area in green. Students, staff and fans also participated in a “green out” during the football game. To view photos from those events, see the photo gallery above.
Joey will forever be missed and will always be part of the Addison Trail family.”
With Blazer Pride,
Jack Andrews
Addison Trail Principal
Obituary
Joseph “Joey” Lawrence Banks of Addison went on to walk with angels on Aug. 23, 2022, at the age of 17. He was born on August 9, 2005, at Loyola Hospital and grew up in Addison. Joey was a senior at Addison Trail High School where he touched the lives of countless students and staff with his contagious smile and positive attitude. He aspired to attend college through the Transitions Program and become a meteorologist with the help of his favorite aide, Mrs. Miller. Joey was blessed by so many who went above and beyond to help him, from his beloved bus driver Ted to the doctors and staff at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Loyola, and various other members of the community.
Joey was passionate about weather and loved to spend his free time watching the Weather Channel. He also enjoyed swimming with friends and family, making FaceTime calls and an abundance of friendly teasing.
Most people spend their time on earth constantly learning lessons. Joey was put on this earth to teach lessons. He taught us to smile, to be happy, to be grateful; he taught us empathy and to simply live and enjoy each moment. Most of all, Joey taught us to love.
Joey is survived by his angel, his mother Samantha Banks nee Petersen, who he recently described at school as the most important person in his life whom he could always count on; his loving father Larry Banks; selfless and loving sister Mia whom he fiercely loved and protected, and his little sister Amy; beloved dogs Harley and Lexi; Grandma Carol Petersen, Grandpa Robert Petersen, Great Grandma Joan Dodaro, and Grandma Susan L. Banks; Aunt Denise (Brian) Collins, Aunt June (Lew) Hensley, Uncle Matthew (Sarah) Banks, Uncle Christopher (Stephanie) Banks, and Aunt Cara (Adam) Hauser; loving cousins Luke and Liv Hensley; Benjamin, Anna, Siena, and Oliver Banks; Christopher, Charles, and Westin Banks; Hannah, Caleb, and Bennett Hauser; many extended aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially Best Friend Cousin Dominick Dodaro.
Joey was preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry E. Banks “Papa Larry,” who surely welcomed Joey home with the biggest smile as now he had his best bud to playfully bicker over whether to watch the football game, the Weather Channel, or a crime show.
A celebration of Joey’s life was held Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard. Arrangements provided by Bucaro Funeral Home and Cremation Center at 485 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
A GoFund me fundraiser in support of Joey’s family can be found at,
gofundme.com/f/calling-all-of-joey-banks-best-friends?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joey Banks Memorial Fund. For more information, please call 630-242-4700 or visit www.bucarofuneralhome.com
