Tom Fencl, owner of the Davis Theater, longtime community advocate and friend to all, passed away on April 5th, 2020 following a long, hard-fought battle with lung cancer.

Tom's work will forever tower over North Lincoln Avenue. As the owner of the Davis Theater, he not only saved a local landmark, but gave it a new life. Since its grand reopening a few years ago, the Davis has become more than a theater—it's a community hub where people gather for events, parties and forums. Tom generously opened the doors of the Davis for community events and fundraisers for a number of causes, and was always an excellent host.

Tom was recognized with the 2018 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation for his efforts. Tom was passionate about growing and serving the neighborhood and local business community. He wore a number of hats with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, including Commissioner of SSA #38, Treasurer of the Board, Vice President of Events and Chairman of the Ribfest Chicago Committee.

His commitment to the Ward extended beyond the borders of Northcenter to include work with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Ravenswood Community Council. He was the king of Ribfest, bringing thoughtfulness, innovation and a great deal of fun, helping make our neighborhood festival a huge success year after year. He was honored with the Businessperson of the Year Award by the Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation in 2016 and the Peter Kattner Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northcenter Chamber in 2019.

But Tom was more than his many accomplishments. He was a devoted family man and friend to many, the fun-loving life of the party who could be counted on for a thrilling story from his many travels, a hilarious joke or even an elaborate costume for a premiere or themed event. His generosity—whether to the neighborhood or to the many friends and nieces and nephews who called him "Uncle Fun-cl"—was, and is, unmatched. At the Chamber, we celebrate the life, legacy and indomitable spirit of Tom Fencl, his decades of service to the community, and send our condolences to his loved ones on their loss.

We will miss him dearly, and know the whole neighborhood will, too.