Joseph Kromelis

Joseph Kromelis (1947 – December 11, 2022) known as 'Walking Man', 'Walking Dude'[1][2] or Walking Yanni[3] was a Chicago-area homeless man and street vendor known for his physical appearance and for wandering about the city. He typically dressed in a v-neck t-shirt and a suit and kerchief, and had long, wavy hair[4] and a thick mustache.[5]

Sources differ as to whether Kromelis was born in Germany[6] or Lithuania.[7] His family lived in Lithuania, and while Kromelis was still a child, moved to Chicago where they managed a bar on Halsted street.[8] After his family moved to Michigan,[9] Kromelis remained in Chicago and found work in a factory. He later obtained a peddler's license,[8] and sold jewelry for income while wandering the Loop.[10]

Over the decades, he became a noted Chicago personality.[11] He was the subject of a 2006 documentary called "Dudementary".[12] About his fame, Kromelis stated “I’m like the Kardashians — I’m famous for doing nothing.”[2]

  1. ^ Dudek, Mitch (1 June 2016). "Thousands raised, but 'Walking Dude' may walk away from it all". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b Ph.d, Dr Neil Gale (2020-04-21). "The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™: The Story of Chicago's "Walking Man." Joseph "Joe" Kromelis. (1947-Dec 11, 2022)". The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  3. ^ Schmich, Mary (May 27, 2016). "'Walking Man' loses some privacy as a result of beating". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  4. ^ Schmich, Mary (2019-11-05). Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now: On Hope, Loss, and Wearing Sunscreen. Agate+ORM. ISBN 978-1-57284-836-8.
  5. ^ staff (December 12, 2022). "Chicago's homeless 'Walking Man' dies after May arson attack". SFGate.com. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Obituary information for Joseph Kromelis". www.sullivanfamilyfuneralhomes.com. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  7. ^ "Joseph Kromelis, Chicago's 'Walking Man,' dies". Crain's Chicago Business. 2022-06-02. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  8. ^ a b Dahlman, Steven. "More than $30k raised for ';Walking Dude,' recovering from assault on Lower Wacker". Loop North News. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  9. ^ Wyderka, B (13 December 2022). "Nie żyje chicagowski Walking Man. Znany w mieście bezdomny w maju został podpalony". Deon24 (in Polish). Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  10. ^ Ph.d, Dr Neil Gale (2020-04-21). "The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™: The Story of Chicago's "Walking Man." Joseph "Joe" Kromelis. (1947-Dec 11, 2022)". The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  11. ^ Gorner, Jeremy (27 May 2016). "Mystery of Chicago's 'Walking Man' solved, but only after he's beaten and hospitalized". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  12. ^ Dahlman, Steven. "Mockumentary on River North's 'Walking Dude' surpasses 10,000 YouTube hits". Loop North News. Retrieved 2022-12-13.