RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Jon Eric O'Connor has gone to his eternal reward at the age of forty-two; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Jon Eric O'Connor was a widely admired philanthropist and a courageous champion for people living with spinal cord injuries; and
WHEREAS, Jon Eric O'Connor was the much-adored son of John and Abby, the brother of Kelly Heneghan and the dear companion of Gintare "Amber" Arlauskyte; and
WHEREAS, Jon Eric O'Connor was paralyzed in an aquatic accident on his thirtieth birthday and devoted his life to helping others; and
WHEREAS, Along with his sister, Kelly, John Eric O'Connor founded Next Steps Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center, a non-profit exercise facility that provides affordable long-term rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, Jon Eric O'Connor served as member of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Board of Directors which has raised more than $ 1 million for the advancement of a cure for paralysis; and
WHEREAS, In his professional life, Jon Eric O'Connor owned and operated O.C.A. Construction, Inc., of Willow Springs, a general contracting and real estate development company; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Jon Eric O'Connor serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Jon Eric O'Connor 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, Jon Eric O'Connor will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Jon Eric O'Connor 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 Jon Eric O'Connor for his grace-filled life and do hereby express o...
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