Mount Greenwood – On Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., longtime resident Don Cosentino, age 93, will step back into the community he helped shape for more than three decades. The former owner of Don’s Finer Foods will join his family and the Mount Greenwood Historical Committee for a Halloween pop‑up shop outside the former store site at 10653 S. Homan Ave., now a private residence.
Cosentino, who opened the mom‑and‑pop grocery in 1972 and ran it until its closure in 2007, is known for his friendly demeanor, signature white apron, and Hanes T‑shirt. At the pop‑up, his children and grandchildren will hand out candy while recreating his classic butcher look, giving a new generation of neighborhood kids a taste of the beloved candy counter that once drew crowds.
Family and community memories
Margaret Schroeder, president and founder of the Mount Greenwood Historical Committee, said the event aims to bring together former shoppers and neighbors who still ask, “Where’s Don? How has he been?” She added, “The kids used to stop there all the time for candy, so we thought we’d have him come on Halloween.”
Cosentino’s granddaughter, Geena Abbott, recalled how the family worked together at the store. “Every family member played a part. You worked there from the time you were little until you had a job of your own, and even then a little bit after,” she said. Abbott highlighted the family‑run nature of the business, noting that aside from a few shop hands, most work was done by relatives.
Community service beyond groceries
Beyond groceries and candy, Don’s Finer Foods was known for its community contributions. Abbott shared stories of the shop preparing corned beef for Mount Greenwood residents and St. Christina School around St. Patrick’s Day. She said her mother, Donna Dunleavy, remembered the store’s role in feeding neighbors during holidays.
Cosentino’s late wife, Marie, who passed away in October 2012, was also integral to the store’s operations, often cooking the beef sold in the shop. Their partnership exemplified the family‑centered, faith‑grounded work ethic that resonated with longtime residents.
Honoring local heritage
The Halloween pop‑up also celebrates the legacy of the store’s candy counter, a nostalgic fixture for generations of Mount Greenwood children. In addition, the Historical Committee will honor Russ Schroeder, 95, a lifelong resident of the 10600 block of South Homan Avenue, whose family has called the area home for over a century.
Community members are invited to stop by, share memories, and enjoy a sweet treat while remembering the impact of a neighborhood institution that embodied the values of hard work, family, and neighborly service.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
