MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Philip J. Rock on January 29, 2016 at the age of seventy-eight; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by The Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39lh Ward; and
WHEREAS, Philip J. Rock, born "a Catholic, a Democrat and Cubs Fan" on May 4, 1937 to the late Joseph and Kathryn (nee Crimmins) Rock in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary followed by the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Phil received his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. Following his graduation, Phil began his legal career with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Phil was elected to the Illinois State Senate where he proudly served for twenty two years. During his time in the Senate, he became the longest serving President of the Illinois Senate with a fourteen-year tenure from 1979 to 1993. Phil leaves a legacy of having most of the legislation he sponsored passed into law; and
WHEREAS, Phil's bipartisan approach was marked by frequent backyard barbecues attended by lawmakers and lobbyists alike, where he would preside over the grill at his house near the Capitol. It was all about increasing the collegiality of the General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Phil was known for his concern for the underprivileged. He was a champion for the voiceless and, as a result, was considered by his peers as a true statesman. He was most proud of the legislation that he sponsored to establish a school for the deaf and blind that was dedicated in 1988 as the Philip J. Rock Center and School. He also furthered laws creating the state's first Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Ace and requiring mandatory insurance coverage for newborns; and
WHEREAS, Phil was a member of many professional and community organizations and served on numerous charitable and philanthropic boards. He touched the lives of all who knew him through his energy, kindness, generosity and spirit. He leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, Phil leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 51 years, Sheila (nee Graber). He was a loving father of Kathleen (Stephen) Snow, Meghan (Todd) Simmons, Colleen (John) Mueller, and John J. "Jay" (Lauren). "Papa'' was most proud of his grandchildren: Emily, Erin, Lily and Ellie Snow; Kyleigh, Connor and Maggie Simmons; Jack, Owen and Kate Mueller; and, Julia and Sarah Rock. He was the fond brother of Michael (Peggy) and brother in law to Joe Graber (Marietta), John Graber (Janice), Mary McLaughlin (the late George), Dorothy Chase (Joel) and Nancy Roisum (Randy) and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and member of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this eighteenth day of May, 2016, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Philip J. Rock and express to his family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Philip J. Rock as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
