SR0766 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0766 LRB102 24803 MST 34048 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Joel B. Pedigo of Oak Park, who passed away on July 9, 2021 at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Joel Pedigo was born in Smithville, Tennessee to Clarence and Willie Mae, who were both sharecroppers; at the beginning of World War II, the family moved to Akron, Ohio for jobs in the Goodyear rubber factory; and

WHEREAS, At 17-years-old, Joel Pedigo enlisted in the United States Navy; during the Korean War, he served on the U.S.S. Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, After his service, Joel Pedigo attended Kent State University, the University of Cincinnati, and Ohio State University; ultimately, he obtained a master's degree in chemistry; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career as a chemist, Joel Pedigo was awarded two patents; he also owned Water Maintenance Services in Willowbrook for 30 years; he ended his career managing Meredith Culligan Water in Forest Park; and

WHEREAS, Joel Pedigo was a handball, motorcycle, and piloting hobbyist; and

WHEREAS, Joel Pedigo's favorite dessert was the "Soakie"; and

WHEREAS, One of Joel Pedigo's mottos was that "…[Y]ou never give up on family."; and

WHEREAS, Joel Pedigo is survived by his children, Brian (Cristina), Tekla (Patrick Barrick), Steve, Tony, and David (Brandi Medina); his former wife, Helen Kossler; and his 11 grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Joel B. Pedigo 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 Joel Pedigo as an expression of our deepest sympathy.