SR0688 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0688 LRB097 20926 KXB 67949 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Raymond S. Timpone of Urbana, who passed away on March 18, 2012; and

WHEREAS, He was born on November 12, 1919, in Chicago, the son of Patrick and Marietta Timpone; he attended Fenwick High School, and subsequently joined the United States Navy; during World War II, he served his country as Chief Petty Officer on a supply ship stationed in Guam; and

WHEREAS, Following his tour of duty, he attended the University of Illinois on the GI Bill and received his bachelor's degree in political science; he then enrolled in the University of Illinois Law School; while attending school, he and his wife, Maxine, opened a small tavern, which later became one of the most popular restaurants in Champaign-Urbana history, The Jolly Roger; and

WHEREAS, He was a pioneer in the restaurant business in Champaign-Urbana; following the successful opening of the Jolly Roger, he opened several restaurants on campus, Timpone's and the Thunderbird; his famous thin crust pizza and Italian beef sandwich were among the first of such foods campus, and at one time he had over 25 delivery cars; he continued as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, opening several more establishments, among them, Pizza Casa, the Jolly Roger Jr., and the Jolly Roger Bambino; and

WHEREAS, He was the first recipient of Parkland College's Hospitality Person of the Year; he was a loyal supporter of the University of Illinois; he was a member of the University of Illinois Foundation, President's Council, and the I Fund; he was a season ticket holder for over a half a century; he was a member of the Illinois Quarterback Club, Illini Rebounders, and Loyalty Circle; among his proudest moments was receiving his Varsity I ring as an "Honorary I Man," which he always wore proudly; and

WHEREAS, He funded several scholarships and had the honor of endowing The Stanley O. Ikenberry Chair in the College of Education; he was also a great benefactor of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, both as a donor and an enthusiastic attendee; and

WHEREAS, As a devout Catholic, he was a strong supporter of the Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus, and was a council member at St. Patrick's parish; he championed Catholic education through contributions and support to Holy Cross School and The High School of Saint Thomas More; he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and donated generously to the city, perhaps most notably funding the Timpone Family Ornamental Tree Garden in Urbana's Meadowbrook Park; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, he was asked to be a lead donor for the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, helping to "Achieve the Dream" of bringing the museum to the city of Chicago; among his passions were collecting stamps and coins; he was also an enthusiast collector of early American china; he stayed current with politics and current events; and he was an avid reader who encouraged others to do likewise; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 33 years, Maxine (Kirby) and his sisters, Roslyn Maister and Florence Torres; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Timpone is survived by his dear, loving companion, Joan Schmitt; his daughter, Deanna (John) Wright; his sons, Raymond (Ginger) Timpone and Michael Timpone; his grandchildren, John (Laura) Wright II, Ashley Wright Paddock, Raymond, Nicholas, and Natalie Timpone, and Gage Timpone; his great-grandchildren, Julia, Joanna, Faith, and Elle Wright, and Maclane, John, Caroline, and Wright Paddock; and his brother, Michael (Nettie) Timpone; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Raymond Timpone; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Raymond Timpone as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.