HR1158 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1158 LRB097 21874 KXB 70570 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert J. Smith Jr. of Westchester, who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, He joined the Westchester police force July 7, 1975, where he served as a patrol officer, a detective, a sergeant, and a lieutenant before becoming the chief of police in 1996; and

WHEREAS, He was also a veteran of the United States Army and the Illinois Army National Guard, where he was awarded several citations and commendations, including 2 National Defense Ribbons, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Illinois Distinguished Service Medal; in 1987, he moved to the Illinois Air National Guard, where he served in Operation Desert Shield and the Gulf War and eventually retired as a chief master sergeant from the 126th Air Refueling Wing; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Smith Jr. was the beloved husband of Mary, nee Boyle; the father of Donald; the stepfather of William (Tina) Rogus, Anastasia (Michael) Gruper, and Matthew Rogus; the proud grandfather of Emma, Billy, Michael, and Marie; the dear brother of Michael (Mary Ellen), Steven (Gloria), and Kathy; the son of the late Robert J. and Rita, nee Mansfield; and an uncle to many; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Robert J. Smith Jr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert J. Smith Jr. as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.