HR0924 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0924 LRB099 16355 MST 40687 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Taffie Helleny of Herrin, who passed away on January 1, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Taffie Helleny was born in Herrin on April 23, 1923 to Joseph and Katie (nee Neckley) Helleny; he served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater; he graduated from the University of Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University (SIU); he married E.J. Craver on June 18, 1950; and

WHEREAS, Taffie Helleny was a longtime businessman in Southern Illinois; he was a partner in Helleny's Furniture in Herrin and Carbondale and co-owner of the Campus Shopping Center in Carbondale; he had also been Chairman of the Board of Home Federal Savings and Loan in Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Taffie Helleny was a member of Herrin's Prairie Masonic Lodge No. 693, the Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis; he was the longest-serving member of Herrin Elks Lodge No. 1146; he was a member of the SIU Alumni Association and a strong supporter of the University; he attended First Presbyterian Church in Herrin throughout his life, but also maintained his membership in St. George's (Syrian) Orthodox Church in Terre Haute, Indiana; he regularly could be found dispensing advice with his friends at his favorite corner table at Quatro's in Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Taffie Helleny was preceded in death by his parents and his 3 brothers, Louis, James, and Edward; and

WHEREAS, Taffie Helleny is survived by his wife, E.J.; his children, Joey Helleny, Jane (Craig) Herman, and Robert (Cathy) Helleny; his brother, Charles Helleny; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Shayne) Alexander and Rebecca and Mary Kate Herman; and numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Taffie Helleny, 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 Taffie Helleny as an expression of our deepest sympathy.