SR0389 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0389 LRB103 33218 LAW 63025 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Phil Greco of Villa Park and Elmhurst, who passed away on June 20, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Phil Greco was a graduate of Marmion Military Academy and Elmhurst College, known today as Elmhurst University; he was a longtime resident of Villa Park and Elmhurst; and

WHEREAS, Phil Greco served as owner and president of The Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park for 40 years; his family business hosted a variety of special events, including concerts, indoor soccer, corporate events, and public trade shows; he loved the challenge of producing unique and complex events that were visited by more than 1.2 million people each year; he also remained involved with PEP Industries, a manufacturing company established by his family in 1947, which specializes in ecclesiastical furnishings for Catholic churches; and

WHEREAS, Phil Greco was involved with many community events and organizations, including the Elmhurst Summer Fest, the Village of Villa Park Economic Development Committee, the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), and the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce; he played a key role in establishing the DuPage County Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving on the inaugural board of directors and continuing to serve for many years thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his lifetime, Phil Greco was recognized for his service and generosity many times; most notably, he, along with the Odeum and his family, were recognized by the DuPage County Board and the Village of Villa Park Board of Trustees with several proclamations for their investment and commitment to the community, such as the development and construction of The Great Western Trail Head Arch; and

WHEREAS, In his own fight with ALS, Phil Greco helped fund a study with Northwestern Memorial Hospital to research the positive and clinical effects of yoga and breathing exercises on ALS patients, a study which will soon be published and has already proven helpful for many patients with lung disease; and

WHEREAS, Phil Greco is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Olinger); his daughter, Jordan (Blake) Lejcar; his granddaughter, Loretta; his brother, Patrick Greco Sr.; his sisters, Francine "Sis" (Bruce Campbell) Greco and Renee Greco; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; 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 Phil Greco 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 Phil Greco as an expression of our deepest sympathy.