HR0626 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0626 LRB102 25725 MST 35034 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Charles "Hank" Salemi of Libertyville, who passed away on January 9, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi was born to Barbara and Henry Salemi in Birmingham, Alabama on May 10, 1964; he graduated from the University of Alabama; he settled in Libertyville in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi began his career with Ringling Brothers/Feld Entertainment in Boston; he then moved to Chicago, working for the Ogden Corporation; he found his professional home of 24 years at Six Flags; he served as chief marketing officer for Six Flags Corporate, based in Oklahoma City, where he oversaw all marketing and advertising for 40 parks worldwide; he became park president of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee in 2006, and he was responsible for both full-time and seasonal team members for 16 years; he was deeply loved and respected by his entire Six Flags family; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi was a global leader and expert in his field, serving on the board of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for the last seven years; he was elected as the association's treasurer and chairman of the IAAPA Compensation Committee; he received the distinguished Special Services Award for his exemplary contributions to the IAAPA; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville; he was an avid fan of the University of Alabama; he enjoyed attending poker night with friends, cooking on his grill and smoker, making his father's Italian pasta sauce, and nights out with friends; he loved planning trips and seeing the world with his family; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi was known as a creative genius for his writing skills and abilities to tell a story and deliver a punchline; he was devoted to his wife, daughter, and the family dogs Gus, Dixie, and Ben; he will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, integrity, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Colleen Salemi; his father, Henry Salemi; and his sister, Sherry Cummings; and

WHEREAS, Hank Salemi is survived by his wife of 21 years, Kathleen; his daughter, Claire; his mother, Barbara Salemi; his sister, Debra Salemi; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws; 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 Charles "Hank" Salemi 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 Hank Salemi as an expression of our deepest sympathy.