SR0142 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0142 LRB101 11146 ALS 56378 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of George Gnatovich of Rock Island, who passed away on January 5, 2019; and

WHEREAS, George Gnatovich was born in East Moline to Nicholas and Mary Perkovich Gnatovich on May 27, 1926; he graduated from East Moline High School in 1944; he then began serving in the United States Navy, where he fought in the South Pacific on a Destroyer Escort, the U.S.S. Duffy; he married Joy Skiles in Moline in 1949; and

WHEREAS, George Gnatovich began his career with his brother, Sam, at Tri City Food in Moline; they went on to build and own Highland Park Bowl; they later owned Sammy G Lanes; and

WHEREAS, George Gnatovich was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church; he enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards, expecially euchre; he was known for his ability to tell jokes; one of his happiest moments was playing free golf at Golfmohr after he turned 90; for many decades, he, his brother, John, and their mother had lunch together every Monday; after their mother's death, they continued the tradition, which grew into what they called the "Monday Lunch Club," and, upon his retirement, George's son, Mark, joined; and

WHEREAS, George Gnatovich was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joy; his son, George Jr.; and his brother, Sam; and

WHEREAS, George Gnatovich is survived by his son, Mark Gnatovich; his grandchildren, Lee, Mark "Nick," and Brandy; his great-grandchild, Devin; his brother, John Gnatovich; and his many nieces and nephews; 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 George Gnatovich 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 George Gnatovich as an expression of our deepest sympathy.