RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman 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, Albert Gilman was a decorated Navy veteran and the loving husband ofthe late Virginia M., nee Allendorfer; and
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman was the much-adored father of Robert, the late Virginia, Richard, Michael, Mark, Joanne and Denise, the grandfather of thirteen and the great-grandfather of six to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, The son of French-Canadian parents, Albert Gilman was born in Merrimac, Massachusetts and served his country in the United States Navy during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman narrowly missed the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1940 because his heavy cruiser, the USS Northampton, was out at sea on training exercises; and
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman served aboard the Northampton until the vessel was sunk on November 30, 1942, during the nighttime Battle of Tassafaronga; and
WHEREAS, The Northampton caught on fire and listed into the sea after it was struck by enemy torpedoes as it courageously attacked Japanese submarines and destroyers that were attempting to deliver food and supplies to enemy troops on Guadalcanal; and
WHEREAS, By daybreak, Albert Gilman and his shipmates were rescued from the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean by the USS Fletcher; and
WHEREAS, In 1945 Albert Gilman was ordered to return to the United States to attend radio and electronics school in Chicago and it was there that he met his future wife at a USO event; and
WHEREAS, During his naval service, Albert Gilman was promoted to Chief Petty Officer Electronic Technician and later served aboard the USS Kearsarge in Guantanamo, Cuba as Chief of the radar unit's early warning system; and
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman was awarded six combat stars, an American Defense Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, After being discharged from the Navy in 1946, Albert Gilman raised his family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and eventually moved to Arlington Heights; and
WHEREAS, Albert Gilman worked during his career at Burny Brothers Bakery which became Entenmann's Bakery; and
WHEREAS, The patriotism, sacrifice and dedication of Albert Gilman serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Albert Gilman 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, A member of America's "greatest generation," Albert Gilman will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Albert Gilman 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 twenty-ninth day of July, 2015, do hereby commemorate Albert Gilman 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 Albert Gilman.
AMerman - 14th Ward