SR0513 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0513 LRB101 12827 ALS 61662 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gerald W. "Jerry" Brady Jr. of Edwards, who passed away on June 13, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady was born in Galesburg to Gerald W. Sr. and Mary (McGuire) Brady on March 27, 1949; he graduated from the Spalding Institute in 1967; he attended Bradley University, where he directed the boys' program at the Guardian Angel Home for Catholic Social Services, and graduated in 1967; he married Sue Olson at St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights on August 7, 1976; he earned his law degree from St. Louis University in 1981; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady began his career at the Peoria Park District, where he managed sports programs and facilities; he also served a six-year enlistment in the United States Army Reserve as a member of the artillery unit; after passing the bar exam, he worked as an Assistant States's Attorney from 1982 until 1985; he then started what would become a successful private law practice, where he worked for 26 years; he was appointed Peoria County State's Attorney in 2011; and

WHEREAS, While serving as Peoria County State's Attorney, Jerry Brady partnered with the ELITE program, initiated the Most Violent Offender Project, met frequently with neighborhood groups, and promoted community awareness of the opioid crisis; he also partnered with the City of Peoria Mayor, the Peoria County Sheriff, the Chief of the Peoria Police, and the United States Attorneys' Office to develop Peoria's Don't Shoot program; he was honored to serve the citizens of Peoria County; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady was an active parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Kickapoo, where he served on the Finance Council and with the Men's Club and coached the St. Mary's boys basketball team; he was the assistant director and coach of Paul Reatherford's Youth Basketball program and continued the 30-year tradition of organizing a Christmas basket drive for those in need; under his leadership, the program delivered food and toys to approximately 250 families throughout the City of Peoria every Christmas season; he was a member of the Bartonville American Legion and an annual sponsor of the Bartonville Ducks Unlimited; he was actively involved with the Peoria County Democrats and enjoyed walking in the parades every summer; he was instrumental in many fundraising events, including raising money for the recently-completed Veterans' Memorial located on the grounds of the Peoria County Courthouse; he received the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award from Peoria Notre Dame High School in 2016; in 2019, he received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Peoria County Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady enjoyed waterfowl and pheasant hunting with his close friends and two sons; he was a selfless humanitarian, public servant, and role model to many; he will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, loyalty, and devotion to his job; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Brady is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughter, Meaghan (Brian) Livingston; his sons, Ryan (Stephanie) Brady and Christopher (Crystal) Brady; his grandson, Liam Michael Brady; his brother, John T. (Mary Ellen) Brady; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gerald W. "Jerry" Brady Jr. 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 Jerry Brady as an expression of our esteem and respect.