SR0330 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0330 LRB096 13337 KXB 28027 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rudolph "Bud" Rolando of Farmington, who passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2009; and

WHEREAS, He was born on July 22, 1924, in Farmington, to John and Alma Maria (Lenzi) Rolando; he married Kathleen (Kay) R. Settles on February 10, 1952, in Farmington; and

WHEREAS, He worked as a coal miner at the Midland Coal Company, Middlegrove mine, Truax Traer mine in Fiatt, and Consolidated Coal Company mine near Norris; he loved operating bulldozers; he and his co-workers referred to themselves as Catskinners, referring to the Caterpillar equipment they operated; and

WHEREAS, He was a World War II United States Army veteran, serving as a sergeant with the 70th Division in the European Theater of operations; he saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze Star, among other decorations; and

WHEREAS, He was an avid sports fan, but was especially fond of track and field, in which he was a participant during his days at Farmington High School; he followed the sport for many years, traveling across the State to attend various track meets; for over 30 years he was an avid golfer and member of the Canton Country Club, and in later years when he could no longer play, he enjoyed following the sport; and

WHEREAS, He enjoyed gardening; he was a member of the United Mineworkers of America, St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Farmington, where he attended faithfully, the Farmington American Legion Post 140, and the 70th Division Trailblazers; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph "Bud" Rolando is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Anthony V. (Diana); his grandson, Matthew C. (Leah) Rolando; his pride and joy, his new great-grandson, Carter William Rolando; and his sisters, Gloria McKeever, Barbara (Don) Wright, and Joanne (William) Greenfield; 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 Rudolph "Bud" Rolando; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rudolph "Bud" Rolando as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.