SR0427 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0427 LRB099 12057 GRL 34703 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Eugene Shea, who passed away on March 31, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea was born on August 14, 1928 in Waukegan; his parents were Laurello and Alice (nee Sweeney) Shea; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea graduated from Waukegan High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from National Lewis University; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, Eugene Shea entered the United States Army; he served in the field artillery during the Korean Conflict; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea taught elementary education at Immaculate Conception School in Waukegan and Oakland Grade School and Antioch Grade School in Antioch; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea began teaching baton twirling lessons at the age of 18 at the YMCA and the Catholic Community Center in Waukegan before owning and operating Shea's Baton and Dance Studio on Grand Avenue in Waukegan for many years; he was also an active member of the National Baton Twirling Judges Association until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea was the recipient of the Twirl Mania Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Shea is survived by a brother, George Shea; 2 sisters, Alice (Warren "Butch") Brownlee and Anne Shea; and his countless former students and fellow baton twirling enthusiasts from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Eugene Shea; and be it further

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