HR0650 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0650 LRB102 26123 MST 35650 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Duchossois, who passed away on January 28, 2022 at the age of 100; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois was born in Chicago on October 7, 1921; he was raised in Beverly and attended Morgan Park Military Academy from which he graduated in 1940; he attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, Richard Duchossois served in the United States Army with distinction as commander of the 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion, landing on Utah Beach in Normandy and serving under the 80th Division of General George Patton's Third Army; later, he led his battalion in the Battle of the Bulge; in recognition of his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois joined the Thrall Car Manufacturing Company, becoming CEO and president; he subsequently purchased the Chamberlain Manufacturing Corp. and became its chairman; later, it was renamed Duchossois Industries; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois purchased and developed Hill 'N' Dale Farm in Barrington Hills in McHenry County in 1967, which became one of Illinois' top thoroughbred breeding farms; in 1983, he purchased Arlington Park Race Track, which later merged with Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois, affectionately known as "Mr. D", developed Arlington Park International Race Track into one of the most beautiful and renowned horse racing facilities in the world; he was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where he was named one their Pillars of the Turf; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois established the Duchossois Family Foundation (DFF), which has made donations in excess of $137 million to the University of Chicago Medical Center that culminated in the establishment of the Duchossois Family Institute and has made substantial impacts upon dozens of charitable organizations benefiting thousands of people in Illinois and across the United States through other philanthropic grants; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois received the Sword of Loyola Award from Loyola University in Chicago in 2014; he became a Director of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, continuing his dedication to his country and to the mission of educating current and future generations that freedom and independence are not free; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly, and their beloved son, R. Bruce Duchossois; and

WHEREAS, Richard Duchossois is survived by his wife, Mary Judith McKeage Duchossois, who he married in 2000 and who has lovingly stood by his side for all business, philanthropic, and family endeavors; his son, Craig J. (Janet) Duchossois; his daughter, Dayle Duchossois (Ed) Fortino; his daughter, Kimberly Duchossois; his stepsons, Steve (Sherrie) Marchi and Paul (Judy) Marchi; seven grandchildren and spouses; two step-grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard L. Duchossois, commend his service to the community and the nation, 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 Richard L. Duchossois as an expression of our deepest sympathy.