SR1662 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert P. "Bob" Neal, who passed away on September 3, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal was born on May 18, 1939 in North Chicago; his parents were Leo and Frances (nee Clarke) Neal; he was a life long resident of Wadsworth; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal served in United States Navy active duty from 1957 until 1961 and retired from the Naval Reserves in 1999; he continued his service to his country by serving with the Lake County Council of the Navy League, where he served as President; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal started Able Electronics in his basement and operated the business in Waukegan for over 25 years; he was a member of the Lake County Board from 1982 to 1994; he served as Chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee for 8 years; he was also appointed director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority by Governors James Thompson and Jim Edgar and served for 10 years and worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Wetlands Research, Inc.; as president of Wetlands Research, he led the development of the Wetlands demonstration located in Wadsworth and Gurnee and was honored with the naming of Neal Marsh; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal's life long commitment to his community started at a young age with the Boy Scouts, becoming the first Eagle Scout in St. Patrick's Troop 75; over the years, he served as President and State Vice-President of the Waukegan Jaycees, founded the Gurnee Jaycees, and was a member of the ZB Moose Club, the Knights of Columbus, Waukegan Masonic Lodge 78, and the Lake County Shrine Club; he was a charter member of the Little Fort Lions Club and a charter member and President of the Wadsworth Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Award in 1996; he served as a Newport Township Volunteer Fireman, Board Member and President of the Newport Township Civic Association, and as Chairman and President of the United Way of Lake County Campaign; he was a founding member of the Coalition for Healthy Communities, President of the Waukegan Exchange Club, and President of the Newport Historical Society; he served as a trustee for the Village of Wadsworth, as Newport Township Supervisor, and as a Republican Precinct Committeeman; he was also a member of St. Patrick's Parish; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal was an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan; he also enjoyed playing golf, especially with his friends in Sun City, Arizona and on the Pickwick Golf League at Willow Glen Golf Course; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Patrice "Miki"; his parents; and a brother, Clarke Neal; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neal is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Pat (nee Geissler); devoted children, Lori Neal, Cheri Neal, Cathy (Rodney) Karlstrand, Rob Neal, Jr., and United States Navy Lt. Joe Neal; adoring grandchildren, Billy Ditzig, Britney Ditzig, Michelle Swanson, Riley Karlstrand, Melissa Neal, and Rachel Depuydt; siblings, Bill Neal, Betty (Bill) Hoffmeier, Jim (Janet) Neal, Dorothy Desmond (Kevin Scott), and Rick (Deb) Neal; sister-in-law, Martha Neal; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Robert P. "Bob" Neal; and be it further

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