SR0034 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0034 LRB103 27185 LAW 53555 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois State Representative Alfred G. "Al" Ronan of Park Ridge, who passed away on January 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Al Ronan was born to Phyllis and James Ronan in Chicago on December 3, 1947; he graduated from Fenwick High School; he earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), during which he was a football player and letter winner and later became a generous benefactor; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from UIC, Al Ronan began a career in politics as a downstate political organizer for then-candidate and future-Governor Dan Walker; he was later appointed director of the Division of Mental Health for the State of Illinois and as deputy secretary at the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Al Ronan was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives at the age of 31, representing the northwest side of Chicago; during his 14-year tenure, he championed important issues such as a statewide seat belt mandate and consistently pushed for increased funding for K-12 education; after departing the Illinois General Assembly, he established and ran a successful lobbying and consulting practice; and

WHEREAS, Al Ronan loved his daughters, golf, and all things Springfield, in that order; he was a trusted friend and political advisor to many; he will be remembered for his quick wit and extensive knowledge of political issues at both the local and national levels; and

WHEREAS, Al Ronan is survived by his daughters, Maren (Hon. Nicholas Kantas) Ronan and Jenna Ronan; his grandchildren, Violet and Alexander Kantas; his longtime partner, Cheryl Axley; and his sisters, Maryanne Locklin and Bobbie Siller; 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 former Illinois State Representative Alfred G. "Al" Ronan 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 Al Ronan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.