SR0549 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0549 SRS093 00179 PLM 40049 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former State Senator Aldo A. DeAngelis on February 13, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Aldo A. DeAngelis was born March 25, 1931, in Ford Heights, and was raised in Chicago Heights by his Italian immigrant parents, making Senator DeAngelis a first generation American; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights and from Knox College in Galesburg and continued his studies at Governors State University and the University of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, He began serving the people as a soldier in the United States Army stationed in Germany; and

WHEREAS, Senator DeAngelis worked in the Chicago steel mills and worked his way up to President of the Vulcan Tube and Metals company in Chicago Heights; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 Senator DeAngelis ran for the State Senate to help ease economic burdens placed on small business owners, especially soaring workers' compensation insurance rates; and

WHEREAS, Senator DeAngelis served in the Illinois Senate from 1979 to 1997 and was the first Republican freshman to be appointed to the position of Assistant Senate Minority Leader, and was recognized as Best Freshman Senator in the 81st General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, Senator DeAngelis later rose to the position of Assistant Senate Majority Leader; and

WHEREAS, He was a staunch advocate for his south suburban district which continued long after leaving the Senate. He always put the interests of his constituents before those of his own and Senator DeAngelis was renowned for his ability to bring State funds to his district, including crucial funding for Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts, and was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Columbus Quincentenary Committee; and

WHEREAS, Senator DeAngelis was an outstanding debater in the Senate and he was respected by staff and legislators alike for his honesty, humor, wit and kindness; and

WHEREAS, He was the father of the Third Airport in Peotone as well as a strong advocate for changing the way Illinois funds its public schools; and

WHEREAS, Senator DeAngelis was a lifelong resident of the south suburbs who never lost touch with his roots; he was proud of his Italian heritage and was a leader in the Italian-American community; and

WHEREAS, He lived life to the fullest and his door was always open to members, staff and friends to enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Aldo A. DeAngelis will be deeply felt by many especially his wife Meredith his sons Anthony, Christopher, and Douglas, his daughter Lisa, and his grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the loss of Senator Aldo DeAngelis and his service to the State of Illinois, while at the same time celebrating his legacy of warm and enthusiastic service to our State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the wife, children and grandchildren of our friend, Aldo A. DeAngelis, with our sincere sympathies and our abiding respect, admiration, and love for their husband, father, and grandfather.