SR1470 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1470 LRB099 16640 MST 40978 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James R. Balsamello of Westville, who passed away on January 4, 2016; and

WHEREAS, James Balsamello was born in Danville on November 8, 1931 to James Vincent and Estelle DuPont Balsamello; he graduated from Westville High School in 1950; he served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War from 1953 to 1954; he married Judith Emory on November 16, 1957 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Westville and remained in the reserve until 1959; and

WHEREAS, James Balsamello was a computer system analyst for 40 years, working with General Electric, Hyster, and United Samaritans Hospital; and

WHEREAS, James Balsamello was active in civic and community affairs, helping design and make the "Coal Bucket Trophy"; he helped to refurbish the veterans honor roll in the Westville Park and served as Scoutmaster for Troop 234 from 1968 to 1974; he also was a member of the Westville Lions Club for 35 years, serving as President for 2 years; he was Chairman of the Labor Day parade from 1985 to 2003, arranging an F-15 flyover for the parade; and

WHEREAS, James Balsamello was a 60-year member of the Westville American Legion, serving as Commander in 2002 and 18th District Commander in 2003, and was the Adjutant and Chairman of the Illinois Boys State Selection Committee; he also served on the Westville School Board from 1975 to 1983, serving as Board President in 1980; he was a member of the Westville-Belgium Sanitary District from 1975 to 1981 and helped obtained a grant to upgrade the sewer system; he was a member of the Westville Cannon Preservation Committee, helping to restore and return the cannons to the Westville Village Park; and

WHEREAS, James Balsamello is survived by his wife, Judith; his 2 sons, Richard Balsamello and Anthony Balsamello; his 2 daughters, Dana (Brian) Quinn and Jennifer (Doug) Toole; his sister, Ernesta Cook; and 7 grandchildren, Laura Quinn, Eileen Quinn, Ryan Quinn, Vincent Balsamello, Lucas Toole, Erin Toole, and Mathew Balsamello; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James R. Balsamello, 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 James Balsamello as an expression of our deepest sympathy.