RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 63; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of New Jersey, Jay Fishman was a widely admired member of the business community and the loving husband of Randy; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman was the much-adored father of two children to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City, Jay Fishman attended the University of Pennsylvania where he received a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in accounting; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman enjoyed a long and successful career in business as the CEO of Travelers' Group Insurance Company; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman was diagnosed in 2014 with Lou Gehrig's disease, which is a terminal neurodegenerative condition commonly known as ALS; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his many professional achievements, Jay Fishman was actively involved in a number of philanthropic causes related to ALS research; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman raised money for the Boston Children's Hospital project that banks the voices of ALS patients so that when patients lose the ability to speak they can use computers that will speak for them; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman and his wife recently contributed $3 million to the University of Pennsylvania for a project that helps patients with at-home respiratory care; and
WHEREAS, Jay Fishman was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New York City Ballet, a board member of the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and a trustee of New York - Presbyterian Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Jay Fishman serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Jay Fishman 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, Jay Fishman was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Jay Fishman 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 fourteenth day of September, 2016, do hereby commemorate Jay Fishman 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 Jay Fishman.