RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 96; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Oak Park, Joseph F. Philipps was a widely admired labor leader and the loving husband for 50 years of the late Delsie, nee Fields; and
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps was the much-adored father of Joseph, Barbara and Dorothy, the grandfather of four and the great-grandfather of five to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, The son of a salesman, Joseph F. Philipps was born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and first came to Chicago in 1933 to work at the Century of Progress International Exposition; and
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps began his apprenticeship with Local 597 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in Chicago in 1937 and was a valued member for more than 75 years; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Joseph F. Philipps joined the United States Army and served in the Aleutian Campaign as a Major and Battery Commander in the Coastal Artillery; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, Joseph F. Philipps was named Apprentice and Training Coordinator and helped to organize the first Instructor Training and Apprentice Contest held at Purdue University; and
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps later served as a Coordinator for the International Training Fund and as an Administrator of the UA/NCA Training Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps completed his long and distinguished career at the union as a Field Representative for the UA/NCA Training Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, In 1986 Joseph F. Philipps was awarded the Francis X. McCartin Leadership Award recognizing his many years of dedicated service on behalf of the union and the pipefitting industry; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Joseph F. Philipps serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Joseph F. Philipps to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Joseph F. Philipps will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Joseph F. Philipps imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirtieth day of July, 2014, do hereby commemorate Joseph F. Philipps for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joseph F. Philipps.
rrnan - 14th Ward