RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Honorable Philip J. Rock has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Philip J. Rock was the longest-serving Illinois Senate President and the loving husband for 51 years of Sheila; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Philip J. Rock was the much-adored father of Kathleen, Meghan, Colleen and John "Jay", and the grandfather of twelve to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Logan Square, the Honorable Philip J. Rock worked as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General and an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney before being elected to the Illinois Senate in 1970; and
WHEREAS, A Democrat, the Honorable Philip J. Rock represented Oak Park and parts of the West Side of Chicago as Senate President for 14 years, from 1979 to 1993; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Senate, the Honorable Philip J. Rock sponsored more than 450 Illinois laws, including landmark reforms in special education, child adoption, foster care, child support and domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Philip J. Rock was a peacemaker whose skill at being able to nimbly reach across the aisle to cajole, and eventually arrive at a consensus, was as remarkable as it was legendary; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Philip J. Rock serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared the Honorable Philip J. Rock 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, The Honorable Philip J. Rock 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, the Honorab...
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