SR0587 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0587 LRB100 12997 MST 27167 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Levon Demerdjian of Oak Park, who passed away on May 17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Levon Demerdjian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, where his family settled after fleeing the Armenian genocide; as a teenager, he made his way to the United States through Canada, intent on furthering his education by enrolling in an engineering program at what is now the University of Illinois at Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Levon Demerdjian soon teamed up with his brother, Arsen, to run authentic Armenian restaurants; the first of the restaurants - all called Sayat Nova - was on Sheridan Road near Loyola University's Lake Shore Campus; the second still operates on Ohio Street off Michigan Avenue; the third in Des Plaines; and

WHEREAS, Levon Demerdjian first venture was the Auto Grill, which opened in 1964 and operated for two years; and

WHEREAS, Levon Demerdjian was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, and his brother, Arsen Demirdjian; and

WHEREAS, Levon Demerdjian is survived by his son, Raffi; his daughters, Tania, Nadia, and Tamara; a granddaughter; and his brother, Dr. Armen Demerdjian; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Levon Demerdjian, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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