Donald Young, 47, was found Sunday morning with multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled his death a homicide.
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. said Young was well-loved at Trinity United Church of Christ, where Obama, a Democrat, is a member of the congregation.
Young also taught fourth grade and was planning to attend graduate school to become a school principal, Wright said.
Funeral services for Young are scheduled for Thursday.
