Those we've lost to COVID-19: Hecky Powell, Evanston restaurant owner

COVID-19 has taken the lives of more than 15,000 people in Illinois, including about 6,200 from the suburbs. We're sharing the stories of some of those we've lost.

Using recipes passed down from his grandmother, Hecky Powell opened Hecky's Barbecue in 1983 with only $100 in the cash register, according to the Evanston restaurant's website.

He credited the popularity of his ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken to his secret sauce, which he bottled and sold to barbecue fans around the world.

The beloved philanthropist and restaurateur - whose patrons included professional athletes and college students - died of COVID-19 complications in May. Described as kindhearted and larger-than-life, Powell was 71.

Before entering the restaurant business, Powell ran a community development program. A longtime mentor and role model, Powell established the Forest E. Powell Foundation in 1994 in honor of his father. The foundation provides grants and scholarships to students pursuing service and technical careers. In 2016, Powell founded the Work Ethic Program, which supports young people pursuing vocational training. Powell and his wife Cheryl Judice sponsored several groups and organizations including youth sports. He also served as a member of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 elementary school board and was president of the Evanston branch of the NAACP.

- Barbara Vitello; ABC 7 Chicago, Chicago Sun-Times contributed