HR0239 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0239 LRB095 11649 KXB 34106 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The institution of marriage is one of the cornerstones upon which our society is built, and a marriage that has achieved a notable longevity is truly a model for the people of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Mary Jo and George Paoni on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, on April 13, 2007; and

WHEREAS, The former Mary Jo Gragido was born in Chicago in 1939 and moved to the Springfield area with her mother after her father (a Chicago Policeman) died in the line of duty; George Edward Paoni was born in 1934; he was raised in Arkansas and moved back to the Springfield area from Arkansas when he was a young man; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jo and George met in 1956 through mutual friends after George returned from serving in the United States Air Force; they used to cruise the Icy Rootbeer and go roller skating together; in November of 1957 their first son, Robert, was born; in December of 1964 they had their second son, Michael; their third son, James, was born in November 1965; and

WHEREAS, George Paoni worked as a meat cutter and Mary Jo worked several different jobs until a temporary job, with the House Republican staff, led to her 20-year career with the House of Representatives, the last year of which was as both Representative Saviano's and Representative Bellock's Legislative Assistant; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jo and George Paoni built their life together through love, hard work, perseverance, and a good sense of humor; in 1973 their home was completely gutted by a fire while attending a little league ballgame, leaving them with the clothes on their back and no place to live; they moved in with family and also lived in a hotel until they could move into another home; and

WHEREAS, The respect for marriage reaches one of its highest plateaus when a couple such as Mary Jo and George Paoni celebrate their golden wedding anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Mary Jo and George Paoni stand as examples of the best of our society, and their love and devotion to each other and to their family and friends serve as a reminder to all that hard work, dedication, and love can make a difference in today's world; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mary Jo and George Paoni on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary; that we commend them for achieving a long and happy marriage, blessed with children and rich in friendships; and we wish them happiness and good health in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mary Jo and George Paoni as a symbol of our respect and esteem.