HR0191 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0191 LRB103 31805 LAW 60415 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Batavia Police Department Officer Joseph R. "Joe" Gudella of Bloomingdale, who passed away on March 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Officer Gudella was raised in Carol Stream and graduated from Glenbard North High School in 2004, where he was the quarterback of the football team; he earned his associate's degree from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science; and

WHEREAS, Officer Gudella was a dedicated police officer who served with pride; he began his career with the Cook County Sheriff's Office in 2015, serving as a deputy for seven years; he joined the Batavia Police Department in January 2022, where he made a lasting impact on his peers and the community; he also suggested many community-oriented policing and recruiting focused initiatives, including the Coffee with a Cop program; he was noted for possessing a servant's heart, valuing every person he met, and finding the time to listen and talk to everyone; and

WHEREAS, Officer Gudella was an enthusiastic Chicago sports fan and enjoyed outdoor activities and adventures; his greatest joy was being surrounded by family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Officer Gudella was a gentle giant who was known for his happy and kind nature and his unmatched devotion to his family; he will be remembered for his compassion, his positivity, and his infectious zeal for life; and

WHEREAS, Officer Gudella is survived by his wife, Valerie; his children, Audrey and Jack; his parents, Wolf and Lynn; his siblings, Tom (Laura) and Elizabeth (Justin); his nieces and nephews, Albert, Annie, Bree, and Russell; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Officer Joseph R. "Joe" Gudella of the Batavia Police Department 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 Officer Gudella as an expression of our deepest sympathy.