SR1820 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1820 LRB100 22326 MST 41180 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lenin "Doc" Pellegrino on May 3, 2018 at the age of 92; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino was born on August 27, 1925 in Chicago to Italian parents; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino obtained both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino was a 10th Mountain Division ski trooper stationed in Italy during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service there; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino practiced medicine in Chicago for over three decades, where he had offices in Garfield Park, Oak Park, and Austin; he often did not charge patients who could not afford to pay the fee; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino was an outspoken civil rights activist throughout his entire life, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s; he also served as a physician for Dr. King's health clinic in North Lawndale, where he provided free medical care against the wishes of the American Medical Association; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino founded the Kingston Mines in 1968, transforming it into one of Chicago's most famed blues clubs; Kingston Mines has attracted the greatest blues performers in Chicago, as well as several celebrity patrons, throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino was a longtime, active member of the Third Unitarian Church in Austin, and was known as an incredibly charitable man, raising money for causes that were important to him; he hosted fundraisers for the Pathfinders Prevention Education Fund and was recognized for helping the organization provide HIV/AIDS prevention education, counseling, and training for African-Americans living on the West Side of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino was a loving father to his children Laura, Donna, Frank, and Lisa; and

WHEREAS, Lenin Pellegrino is survived by his children, Laura, Donna, Frank, and Lisa; his nieces and nephews; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lenin "Doc" Pellegrino, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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