Born in Chicago, Jeffrey “Jeff” Boarini grew up in Arlington Heights as the middle of three sons. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Radio & TV production. And it was in Carbondale where he met his future wife, Joanne “Rocky” Kunz.

 

In 1984, living in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, Jeff and Rocky had a son, Ted Gram-Boarini. Born prematurely, Ted was soon diagnosed with cerebral palsy and later, developmental delays. Looking for an inclusive pre-school, the only one they could find was the School for Little Children in Evanston. Based on their three years of experience there and with the families that they met, Jeff and Rocky moved to the south end of Evanston in 1990. There Ted was mainstreamed at Washington School, then Nichols Middle School and ETHS. 

 

In late 2020, Rocky was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in June of 2021. Jeff now lives just west of the downtown business district.

 

Jeff’s career in corporate media production spanned more than 35 years, starting with what was then the Bell System. He later formed his own small company, writing and producing videos for many of the Chicago area’s largest companies. He remained independent for 10 years until a consulting job with McDonald’s Corporation led to his hiring where he started in the Communications Depart before transferring to their Creative Services Group. There, as a Director, he oversaw all of the department’s functions during his 10 years in that role. 

 

He retired in 2016 and began to volunteer as a tutor with District 65 students in kindergarten and 2nd grade in a program that was ended by the pandemic. 

 

As Board President for the Arts of Life, a non-profit organization providing progressive art studios for artists with disabilities, he led the reorganization of the board and steered the organization to a sound financial footing. In addition, Jeff has been involved with Evanston’s Center for Independent Futures since its’ inception, initially as a parent and founding family and then as a multi-term Board member. He served as Board Co-Chair for one term and remains involved to this day.