SR1722 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Antonio W. "Tony" Ferris of Peoria, who passed away on March 29, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris was born on June 25, 1939 in Peoria; his parents were Frederick and Cecelia Williams-Ferris; he married Nayibe "Naya" Salomon on December 10, 1960 in North Tonawanda, New York; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris grew up in Peoria on First Street in a house that was connected to Ferris Market, the family grocery store; he graduated from Spalding High School in 1958; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris served in the United States Army Reserve for six years; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris worked at Komatsu Mining System as a welder for 34 years until his retirement in 1998; he also worked as a mechanic for Travis and Egolf Cadillac and was a committeeman for the International Brotherhood Boiler Makers Union; following his retirement, he loved spending his time as a volunteer at Proctor Hospital and at local prisons ministering to inmates; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris was a loyal and active member of the Men's Itoo Society; he was actively involved in the St. Thomas Catholic Church Men's Club, serving as treasurer; he led the fundraising efforts for the church with Casino Nights, fish frys, and other events for many years; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris enjoyed fishing with his family and friends and playing cards in his long-standing Sunday game; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris was preceded in death by his wife, Nayibe; his parents; his brother, Larry; and his son, Phillip; and

WHEREAS, Antonio Ferris is survived by his children, Denise Ferris (Chan-li Lin), Frederick Ferris, and Kevin (Danielle) Ferris; his grandchildren, Kylie Ferris, Abigayle Plutz, and Vincent Phillip Ferris, with another on the way; and his sisters, Susan Salomon and Jeannie Ferris; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Antonio W. "Tony" Ferris; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Antonio Ferris as an expression of our sympathy.