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WHEREAS, Tunch Ilkin immigrated from Turkey in 1960 with his mother Ayten and his late father Mehment Ilkin. Tunch was the first native of Turkey to play in the NFL and is well known as an offensive tackle, playing 13 of his 14 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, and was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his career from 1980 to 1993; and,
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WHEREAS, after his retirement from the NFL, he joined the Steelers radio network team in 1998 as an analyst on the team's broadcasts; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Ilkin should also be recognized for his generosity and charity work as the Director of Men's Ministries serving his church, The Bible Chapel, South Hills and as an Honorary Board Member and volunteer at the Light of Life Rescue Mission; and,
WHEREAS, Tunch Ilkin and good friend, former Pittsburgh Steeler Craig Wolfley, have worked together at the Light of Life Rescue Mission for over 30 years with their annual Tunch and Wolf Walk for the Homeless, which was completed digitally this year due to COVID-19; and,
WHEREAS, recently, Mr. Ilkin was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In spite of his diagnosis, Tunch continues to go on a daily hour-long walk, always stopping to talk to people along the way, offering to pray with them or help them in any way he can; and,
WHEREAS, Mr Ilkin has lived in the City of Pittsburgh since being drafted with the Steelers in 1980 and currently resides in Mt. Washington with his wife Karen. Notwithstanding his NFL career, Tunch is most proud of his three children; Tanner (Jess Ilkin) Natalie (Danny Coale), and Clay (Kristin Ilkin) and loves to be around his five grandchildren; Levi, Abbott, Brynn, Althea and Connor; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby thank and commend Tunch Ilkin for his unselfish service to those less fortunate residents of the City of Pittsburgh and for being readily available to his local community; and,
BE IT ...
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