SR0816 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0816 LRB096 22237 KXB 41066 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Patrick J. "Papa" "The Cat" O'Neil of Homer Glen, formerly of Joliet, who passed away on May 1, 2010; and

WHEREAS, He was born in Joliet; he was a proud graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, class of 1952, where he attended several Alumni functions and still met with his close classmates for lunch and golf outings; he was a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, class of 1957; and

WHEREAS, He was a third generation licensed funeral director and embalmer for 53 years, taking over the funeral home business from his father; he served his country as a Korean War Army Veteran; he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lockport and St. Joseph Church Holy Name Society; he served as an Eucharistic Minister for many years; he was a member of the Lockport American Legion John Olson Post #18, the Lockport Moose Lodge #1557; and he was a volunteer Deputy Coroner for his son; and

WHEREAS, He was a member of the Will County Police Chiefs Association, a member of the Illinois and National Funeral Directors Associations, a member of the Lockport Golf and Recreation Club, a Charter member and co-founder of the First Community Bank of Homer Glen and Lockport, a member of the Lewis University Office of the President's Board, a member and past President of the Lockport Lions Club, a former member of the State of Illinois Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Board, a former State of Illinois Secretary of State drivers license employee, and one of the founding members and board member of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, He was a founder of the Lockport Heights Sanitary District; he was a Homer township trustee; and a proud and active member of the Lockport Chamber of Commerce, starting many Old Canal Day Parades; he also was very active in the St. Joseph School Athletic Association, coaching basketball for many years and countless other activities associated with St. Joseph School and Church and Providence Catholic High School; and

WHEREAS, He and his wife were awarded many awards for their unconditional dedication and support at both St. Joseph Parish and Providence Catholic High School; he was an avid Chicago White Sox fan, Bears fan, but mostly was his children's and grandchildren's biggest fan and cheerleader in all of their school and sporting activities; he was also proud of his Irish heritage, his condo in Sarasota, Florida, and his home on the Kankakee River; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph T. and LaVerna (Slater) O'Neil; his brothers, James, J. Francis, Arthur, Joseph Jr., and John; and his in-laws, Louis and Rose (Talarico) Fondriest; and

WHEREAS, Patrick O'Neil is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Joyce (Fondriest); his children, Kimberly (Edward) Golob and Patrick K. (Jennifer); the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Bradley Edward (fiance,Tabitha Krieser), Erin Colleen, and Shannon Patrick Golob, Shae Marie and Ryan Patrick O'Neil; his great-grandson, Nathanael; his sister, Mary O'Neil (the late Edward) Stefanich; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and William Kettman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends, whom he loved so much; also surviving are his employees, whom he treated and loved as his family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Patrick O'Neil; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Patrick O'Neil as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.