Ira S. Bruce Lynch

Ira Sylvestre Bruce Lynch was born the youngest to Virginia Bruce King Lynch and Ira Sylvestre Lynch Sr. on November 11, 1947, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1950, at the tender age of 3, Virginia moved Ira and the family to the East Bronx neighborhood of New York. Innovation began shortly after the move, as Ira and his siblings forged unbreakable bonds that allowed them to survive the harshest poverty and instilled in them the discipline needed for survival in the public housing project in which they dwelt.

He attended public school through sixth grade, and in December of 1958, Virginia moved Ira back to San Juan, where he diligently received tutoring to become proficient in the Spanish language. Ira graduated from Carolina High School in 1964. After completing high school, Ira moved to New York City to live with his siblings. In April of 1967, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Missile Facilities Technician. Ira was dexterous, disciplined and a diligent worker. He was promoted to Sergeant during his four total years of service. While in the military, Ira wed Estrellita Overstreet and welcomed his eldest kids, Seti Mayet and Kevin Lynch. After exiting the military, he took a job at the United States Post Office as a Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic, then as an Installation Electronic Technician for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ira and his family migrated to Chicago, where he received two degrees: an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Science from Kennedy King Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of Illinois at Chicago. In 1978, he joined the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and welcomed his third child, Twilla Parks. During his 30 years of public service, he served as a Patrolman, Field Training Officer and Evidence Technician. he was eventually promoted to a Supervising Sergeant in District 1. Throughout his time at CPD, Ira received numerous awards and commendations for his police work. Working as a bilingual Sergeant, he embodied his Afro-Latino heritage. As the classification ‘Black Hispanic’ was not an option on federal forms at the time, Ira courageously worked with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help restructure racial classifications and foster inclusivity for Afro-Latino persons.

Ira retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2008. Ira wed Jacqueline Buckner on October 22, 1983. To this union, Sabrina and Candice Lynch were born. As a great outdoorsman and avid traveler, Ira enjoyed skiing, fishing, and camping. His love of travel and exploration led him to purchase a recreational vehicle. He would take his vacation in blocks during the summers so he could drive around the United States and expose his family to the sights and natural wonders of the USA. Throughout his lifetime, Ira maintained a robust entrepreneurial spirit, owning a tow truck company, a handyman business, a videography/photography company, and working as a disc jockey.

He also enjoyed painting abstract art and declared Parcheesi as the official family board game. Ira’s naturally curious and agile nature allowed him to build items without manuals, including toy boxes for his children, bird feeders and vehicle engines. He would also quickly dissemble and reassemble many motorized objects. During his formative years, Ira was introduced to the Catholic faith, and served as an altar boy. Ira continued his quest for God by joining True Believers Baptist Church in 2009, where he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized. He went on to become a member of Lighthouse Church of All Nations in 2010. He enjoyed a church trip to Israel with his wife in 2011. An active Sunday School member, Ira diligently brought refreshments to the Sunday School and Marriage Ministry each week. His consistency led to him receiving a Volunteer of the Week Award. Ira also served as a member of the Security Team and the Men’s Ministry at Lighthouse Church.