SR0220 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0220 LRB098 11565 GRL 43863 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Marine Corps Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda of Marine, who passed away on March 18, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda was born on January 8, 1987, in Breese; his parents were Kent Ripperda and Tina Sutton; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda graduated from Highland High School in 2005; after 1 year at St. Xavier University in Chicago, he enrolled in and graduated from L'Ecole Culinaire in St. Louis; he was planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in business from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2008; he was attached to the 2nd Marine Division and served his nation with dignity and pride; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clarence "Louie" Ripperda, and his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Lesicko; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda is survived by his father, Kent (Colleen) Ripperda; his mother, Tina (Jeff) Sutton; his sister, Kendall (significant other, Charlie Swaim) Ripperda; his paternal grandmother, Rita Ripperda; his maternal grandfather, Ronald (Jackie) Lesicko; his special friend, Jessica Iskrzycki; his aunts and uncles, Kurt (Lynn) Ripperda, Cara (significant other, John Zerkle) Tomasek, William (Beverly) Lesicko, and Patrick (Julie) Lesicko; and his many cousins; and

WHEREAS, Cpl. Aaron Ripperda's patriotism and courage will be remembered fondly by his loving family, his fellow soldiers, and the citizens of our grateful nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of United States Marine Corps Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Cpl. Aaron Ripperda as an expression of our sympathy.