SR0032 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0032 LRB096 04813 GRL 14877 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Stephen M. "The Irishman" O'Donnell of Peoria, who passed away on January 18, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell was born on March 8, 1938 in Effingham; his parents were John P. and Frances McDevitt O'Donnell; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Army Reserves; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell worked for Michael Todd Co. in Omaha, Nebraska and owned S.M.O. Sales and Service in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the 427 Third Degree Spalding Council, the Illinois Police and Sheriffs Association, and the Hook and Bullet Conservation Club; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell greatly enjoyed the company of his nieces and nephews, Kevin, Maureen, Bridget, Michael, Heide, Phil, Mike, Petra, Phil, Kate, Muffie, Ryan, Sean, Tim, Dionne, and Cherie, and his 23 great-nieces and great-nephews; he also loved fishing and spending his time talking with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mick and Max; and his nephew, Patrick O'Donnell; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell is survived by his best friend, Marilyn Nash, and her family; his sisters, Sue (Jerry) Lafeber, Maureen (Phil) Prassas, and Kathy Ireland; and his brothers, Pat (Ursula) O'Donnell and Bob (Sue) O'Donnell; and

WHEREAS, Stephen O'Donnell will be remembered by all who knew and loved him for his kindness, generosity, storytelling, doughnuts, and his beautiful tenor's rendition of Danny Boy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Stephen M. "The Irishman" O'Donnell; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Stephen O'Donnell as an expression of our sympathy.