HR1626 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1626 LRB095 22985 GRL 53441 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Jim DeLuca on the occasion of being the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Italian American Executives of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca was born in Chicago to Antonio and Assunta DeLuca; both of his parents immigrated to the United States from Calabria, Italy in September of 1928; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict, serving 14 months in Korea from 1951 until 1953; after his honorable discharge from the Army, he married Lena Lasorsa; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, Jim DeLuca went into the grocery business, opening Mayfair Foods in Franklin Park; he also had a brief stint in the catering business and owned the famous slides and batting cages on Lake Street; after retiring in 1991, he decided to devote his time and energy helping children and seniors with various community projects; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca is one of the founders of the Americans of Italian Descent of DuPage County, which was founded in 1978; the organization seeks to aid those in need, including children with disabilities and senior citizens, as well as awarding scholarships and donating items to the Pantry, a community organization that gives food and assistance to families in need; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca is proud to be a full-blooded Calabrese, with his heritage leading him to join the Calabrese in America Organization, a group that holds many functions that celebrate Italian and Calabrese culture and raise funds for charities; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca is a very active member of the Italian American Executives of Transportation, which seeks to donate scholarships, support educational programs, and assist other organizations to enhance the Italian image in the community; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca is well known among his peers for his passionate work on the behalf of children with disabilities; he is an enthusiastic supporter, fundraiser, and active member of the Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities, a group that has helped countless numbers of disabled children and their families; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeLuca's work with disabled children and his willingness to help those in need make him worthy of both the Humanitarian of the Year Award and the respect of the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jim DeLuca on the occasion of being the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Italian American Executives of Transportation and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jim DeLuca as a symbol of our esteem and respect.