RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Dennis Farina has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of sixty-nine; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Aldermen Edward M. Burke and Walter Burnett, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, Dennis Farina was the youngest son of a Sicilian immigrant doctor and a homemaker; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Farina graduated from St. Michael's Central High School and served in the United States Army before joining the Chicago Police Department in 1967; and
WHEREAS, While moonlighting as an actor at high-profile Chicago theaters, Dennis farina was cast by director Michael Mann in a small role in the 1981 movie Thief; and
WHEREAS, Four years later Dennis Farina left the police department to become a full-time actor; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Farina went on to appear in several top-rated television series such as Miami Vice, Crime Story and Law and Order and performed in movies such as Get Shorty, Midnight Run, Saving Private Ryan and The Last Rites of Joe May; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Farina's engaging on-screen presence was anchored by his unique perspective as a former police detective and, despite his rise from cop to nationally-recognized celebrity, he always remained true to his strong neighborhood roots; and
WHEREAS, In 2003 Dennis Farina witnessed the unveiling of an honorary street sign designating a stretch of North Avenue in Old Town as "Dr. Joseph Farina Way" in memory of his late father; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Farina was a true gentleman who always demonstrated respect and kindness to his many fans and fellow actors; and
WHEREAS, The talent, hard work and dedication of Dennis Farina serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Dennis Farina 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, Dennis Farina 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, Dennis Farina 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 eleventh day of September, 2013, do hereby commemorate Dennis Farina for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
Alderman - 14th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dennis Farina.