HR0414 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0414 LRB101 12616 ALS 61064 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Charles D. "Chuck" Sweeny of Rockford, who passed away on May 20, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was born in Rockford to Fay C. and Winifred M. Daniels Sweeny on October 26, 1948; he graduated from Auburn High School in 1966; he received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago; he married Cherene Gourley in Rockford on March 3, 1973; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny began his career in journalism at the Rockford Register Star in 1984; he specialized in politics and also served as a reporter, columnist, political editor, and, most recently, senior editor; he was the face of the Register Star and gave the newspaper a personality it needed; his columns were must-reads, as his reporting and commentary were insightful, fair, and incredibly well sourced; he had the ability to inject humor into the often-tense public discourse; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was known as "the dean of local political journalists" by Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara; he interviewed mayors, governors, and presidents and was an exceptional chronicler of Rockford's history; for decades, he helped the public understand government, local history, and civic issues and emphasized the importance of the role of a free press in a thriving democracy; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was voted best columnist in the Register Star's annual What Rocks reader poll; he was a sought-after speaker and a frequent debate moderator; he appeared as a commentator on local television, was a guest on National Public Radio, and was a regular user of Facebook; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was also a musician; he played electric piano in several bands that performed around the region; he will be remembered as a lifetime journalist, political advocate, and Rockford historian and commentator; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny is survived by his wife, Cherene; his son, James M.D. Sweeny; his daughter, Stephanie M.M. Sweeny; his sister, Mary (Robert) Douglas; his brothers-in-law, Michael Gourley and Patrick (Cheryl) Gourley; his nieces and nephews, William C. Douglas, Emily A. Douglas, Todd Gourley, and Lisa Sanders; and his many other extended family members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Charles D. "Chuck" Sweeny 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 Chuck Sweeny as an expression of our deepest sympathy.