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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of Alderperson Theophelo "Tuffy"
4Quinonez of the Rockford City Council, who passed away on
5February 27, 2023; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was born to Tiofilo M. and
7Alberta M. (Martinez) Quinonez in Chicago on January 31, 1947;
8he graduated from West High School in Rockford in 1965 and
9attended Lincoln Barber College; he served in the U.S. Army;
10and
 
11    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was a retired barber shop
12owner; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez became the first Latino
14American elected to the Winnebago County Board in 1972; while
15he lost his reelection bid, he was appointed to another term in
161978; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez served as alderperson of the
1811th Ward on the Rockford City Council; he was first elected
192017 and then reelected in 2021; during his tenure, he worked
20with city officials to secure accessible parking spaces in
21front of the VFW at 922 7th Street and used his share of ward

 

 

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1funding toward repairing streets and sidewalks in front of the
2homes and apartments of senior citizens living in his ward; he
3became known for his trademark greeting of "everything's good"
4and was noted by colleagues for his unwavering support for
5small business and the hospitality industry, his commitment to
6serving his constituents, his ability to return a favor, and
7his quiet political savvy; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was the founder of the
9Mexican Business Association; he was a member of the American
10Legion, the Navy Club, Club Patriotico Mexicano (CPM), Lo Vox
11Latina, the Latin American Community Organization, the
12Association of Clubs, and the Broadway Business Association;
13he was an active member of the VFW for decades, where he
14volunteered to manage the cantina, help run various events,
15and support veterans; he was also a delegate of the 7th Street
16VFW in Rockford; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was a man of strong faith;
18he enjoyed attending flea markets and estate sales, playing
19darts in dart leagues, and participating in car shows with his
201955 Buick; and
 
21    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was preceded in death by his
22mother; his brother, Thomas M. Quinonez; and his
23sister-in-law, Josephine Carmona; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez is survived by his daughter,
2Martine (Johnny) Guerrero; his grandchildren, Dominic and
3Angelino Guerrero; his siblings, Celena Quinonez and Frank
4Carmona; and his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins;
5therefore, be it
 
6    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
7ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
8Alderperson Theophelo "Tuffy" Quinonez of the Rockford City
9Council and extend our sincere condolences to his family,
10friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further
 
11    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
12presented to the family of Alderperson Quinonez as an
13expression of our deepest sympathy.