MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR RONALD EARL PENNICK
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Ronald Earl Pennick, an honorable citizen, beloved member of his community to his eternal rest on December 2, 2019;
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Stephanie D. Coleman, Alderman ofthe 16th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Earle Pennick was born on March 18, 1959, the fifth child to the union of Henry and Earline Pennick. Known affectionately known by all as "Poonie" and "Little Man" by his mother. Ronald could run like the wind and would always run instead of walk, which earned him many honors when he graduated from Chicago Vocational High School. Ronald earned a football scholarship to Indiana University and the University of Hawaii. Ronald was recruited to by the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, but preferred not to play sayin "I was tired of getting my bell rung:; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Earle Pennick was born into, baptized and raised up in the St. Mary's Baptist Church pastored by Rev. J. J. Warren on 63rd Street in the Englewood Community. Ronald moved to Minneaoplis in 1994, and 10 days later met Sue Bartoluti, who he married in 2005. Ronald worked as a Pharmacy Technician for almost 20 years, most recently at Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis, and then at SSM Hospital in Madison. While at Fairview, he served as Vice- President of AFSME Local 1164; and
WHEREAS, After retiring as an athlete, Ronald Earle Pennick still participated as an "informed" spectator. He continued to enjoy football, basketball, and horse racing. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, journeying to Italy on three separate occasion; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Earle Pennick's storied athletic accomplishments are far overshadowed by his personal qualities. He has been universally recognized by family, friends, colleagues, teammates, and neighbors as a good man with a big heart and a ready smile. Ronald was someone who brought fun and humor to any situation. Known as a wise elder, and a leader who transcended differences, Ronadl loved hard and was loved much in return; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Earle Pennick was preceded in death by his father; mother; brothers; Henry Jr.,Mickey Sr., Favorite Aunt Thelma; and niece, Kelliann Pennick. Ronald leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his beloved wife, Sue; Daughters, Rachel Chanel Pennick, and Master Sergeant Kristin Joy Taylor; Granddaughter, Rain Natalya Gipson (Selwyn), P. Payne; and a host of relatives and dear friends ; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, gathered here this fifteenth day of January, 2020 do hereby express our sincere sorrow upon the passing of Ronald Earle Pennick and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all the many friends whose lives he has touched; and