SR0341 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0341 LRB101 12056 ALS 59505 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Patrick J. "Pat" O'Connell of Channahon, who passed away on March 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Pat O'Connell was born to Dale and Estelle (Jones) O'Connell Sr. on February 12, 1957; he graduated from Joliet East High School in 1975; he attended Millikin University, where he was a proud brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and graduated in 1979; he earned master's degrees from George Williams College and Governors State University; and

WHEREAS, Pat O'Connell was a teacher and coach for over 40 years and worked at Joliet East, Joliet Central, and Joliet Junior College; he had many accomplishments, including helping coach Joliet Central to the 1985 IHSA State Wrestling Championship, spearheading the revival of the Joliet Junior College wrestling program, and being inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2017; he was dedicated to the success of his students and athletes, and he made a tremendous impression on the students he taught; his example inspired countless other teachers, coaches, and future educators to strive to do better; and

WHEREAS, Pat O'Connell was an athlete; he wrestled and ran cross country and track in high school and in college; after college he played rugby for the Chicago Blaze for over 30 years; in his later years, he played for the Manhattan Shamrocks; he was known for his ability to organize gatherings, including annual Bears tailgate parties in his backyard, annual trips to Las Vegas and Cocoa Beach, Jimmy Buffet concerts with his daughter, and visits to Wrigley Field; he was an extraordinary organizer, gift giver, pickle ball player, and world traveler; and

WHEREAS, Pat O'Connell was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Gerald Tannenbaum; and his cat, Spike; and

WHEREAS, Pat O'Connell is survived by his wife of 26 years, Susan; his children, Patrick and Molly; his siblings, Dale (Karen) O'Connell Jr., Kathy (Clint) Forsyth, Ginny (Mike) Deegan, Mike (Tina) O'Connell, and Bill (Denise) O'Connell; his aunt, Pat Dickinson; his mother-in-law, Sharon Tannenbaum; his sisters-in-law, Jodi (John) Ancel, Angie (the late Larry) McKay, and Staci (Greg) Geistler; his brother-in-law, Doug (Yocelin) Tannenbaum; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his cats, Shake and Elvis; 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 Patrick J. "Pat" O'Connell 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 Pat O'Connell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.