SR0286 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0286 LRB103 31932 MST 60654 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Geoffrey John "Jeff" FitzGerald, who passed away on September 26, 2022 at the age of 66; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald was born on October 4, 1955 to the late Christopher James FitzGerald III and Margaret Dell (Daly) in Evanston; and

WHEREAS, In his earlier years, Jeff FitzGerald lived among the water, woods, and tree houses of Evanston, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Oak Park, the place his family called home the longest; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald was the fourth of nine children and was known to his siblings as "Adventure Boy" due to his intrepid spirit; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and the Harrington College of Design; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald was married to his high school sweetheart, Marie (Riggs) FitzGerald, for 29 years; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald shared homes and businesses in McGregor, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota, before a houseboating trip led him to small-town living in Lansing, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald and his wife opened FitzGerald's Inn Bed and Breakfast and completed their family of four children, before settling in Dubuque, Iowa in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald had a deep love for the Mississippi River, historic buildings, gardening, and bringing life back to things, from plants and flowers to hardwood floors and trim; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald had a discerning eye for restoration and renovation, where others saw a lost cause he saw potential; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald loved music of all genres and enjoyed setting the scene of any family event with music, lighting, great food, and room for dancing; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald was never at a loss for words; he had a rich store of anecdotes for any listening ear, and where laughter was needed, he could provide; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald's jocular nature and infectious laugh could cure most ailments; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald was dynamic and resilient, able to overcome illness for the better part of three decades, surpassing expectations and always living by his own terms and timeline; and

WHEREAS, Jeff FitzGerald is survived by his children, Meghan FitzGerald, Kyle (Callie) FitzGerald, Erin FitzGerald, and Riley FitzGerald; their mother, Marie FitzGerald; his eight grandchildren, Mikayla and Elijah Farber, Ruby FitzGerald, Jaylen, Michelle and Maleyah FitzGerald, Tyler Cassady, and Wesley FitzGerald-Meekins; his seven siblings, Mary, Bill, Chris, Sheila, Brian, Catherine, and Terry; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Geoffrey John "Jeff" FitzGerald 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 Jeff FitzGerald as an expression of our deepest sympathy.