SR1534 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1534 LRB101 22498 MST 73582 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Louis Peter "Lou" Cipparrone, who passed away on November 17, 2019 at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone was born to Peter and Angela Cipparrone in Chicago on June 14, 1931, Flag Day, a birthday that suited him because he loved our nation's flag; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone grew up in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood with his siblings, Bill, Gene, and Rose; he graduated from Crane Tech High School and became a pharmacy apprentice before being drafted in 1951 to serve as an army medic during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone worked alongside his fellow servicemen in the 4076 MASH Unit, the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital that was the inspiration for the television series M*A*S*H; he worked fearlessly and courageously throughout his career as a medic and became a hero and a healer; he was able to share the wisdom of his service with his children and his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone met Joann Greene, and soon their romance turned into a wedding; they were married on August 31, 1959; together, they raised their five children in Oak Park, where Lou would stay for the remainder of his life; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone and Joann Green Cipparrone had five beautiful children, Mickie, Louie, Cathy, Debbie, and Pete; he was loved dearly by his 14 grandchildren, who were his world and who he thought were "terrific" at whatever they did; he never ceased telling them they were deeply loved; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone was an exceptionally dedicated family man; every Sunday night for nearly 30 years, he and Joann hosted their famous family dinner; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone was known on the 800 block of Forest Avenue because of his zeal for holiday decorations; he was enthusiastic not only about holiday decorations but also about flying the American flag, both on holidays and whenever it pleased him; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone was a master handyman who had a sharp mind; he was a dedicated employee at the Louis Zahn Drug Company for 31 years; he will be dearly missed by family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Angeline Cipparrone; his brother, Eugene; and his brother-in-law, Darrill (Brenda) Greene; and

WHEREAS, Lou Cipparrone is survived by his wife, Joann; his children, Mickie (Chuck) Kerr, Louis Jr. (Carolyn), Cathy, Debbie (John) Figel, and Pete (Kris); his grandchildren, Danny, Kristen, Michael (Jane), Johnny, Micheline, Meghan, Tommy, Louie, Lizzie, Sam, Claire, Kate, Joe, and Grace; his siblings, Bill (the late Shirley) and Rose (Jerry) Mele; his brothers-in-law, Tom (Jayne) Greene and Larry (Aiko) Greene; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Louis Peter "Lou" Cipparrone 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 Lou Cipparrone as an expression of our deepest sympathy.