Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0601

SR0601 LRB104 20530 RMO 34005 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert "Bobby" D'Onofrio of Chicago, who passed away on January 16, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio was born to Joseph and Josephine D'Onofrio in Chicago on May 2, 1946; he remained deeply rooted in the city that shaped him, proudly carrying forward his Taylor Street upbringing and his Italian heritage; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio dedicated more than thirty years of honorable service to the City of Chicago through the Department of Streets and Sanitation, exemplifying the dignity of public service and the quiet pride of a man who worked hard for his community and his family; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Rena Friedman D'Onofrio; a loving father to his daughter, Jessica D'Onofrio Whitmire; a cherished father-in-law to Doug Whitmire; and a deeply proud grandfather to Jack and Grace Whitmire, whose lives were enriched daily by his joy, humor, and boundless love; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio's life centered around family; he was known to his daughter as Dad, to his grandchildren as Papa, and to countless friends simply as Bobby; he was a loyal friend, a storyteller, a prankster, and a man whose laughter could lift any room; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio was a natural-born athlete and the embodiment of Chicago spirit; he was an avid Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan, a dancer, a lover of music, and a man whose unmistakable whistle could be heard blocks away, calling those he loved toward him; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio was known for his distinctive style, confidence, and ability to find humor in any situation, bringing light even in difficult moments; he will be remembered by his daughter as always being the best dressed with the best swagger, a joyful soul whose jokes never grew old and whose presence will be found in music, laughter, and memory, especially when the Bee Gees play; and

WHEREAS, Robert D'Onofrio leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, loyalty, and laughter, and the outpouring of grief and remembrance from friends and loved ones stands as a testament to the countless lives he touched and the lifelong impressions he made; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert "Bobby" D'Onofrio, honor his life and service, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family and to all who loved and cherished him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert D'Onofrio as an expression of our respect, gratitude, and heartfelt condolences.