SR0435 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0435 LRB101 12580 ALS 61009 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Charles D. "Chuck" Sweeny of Rockford, who passed away on May 20, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was born in Rockford to Fay C. and Winifred M. Daniels Sweeny on October 26, 1948; he graduated from Auburn High School in 1966; he received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago; he married Cherene Gourley in Rockford on March 3, 1973; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny began his career in journalism at the Rockford Register Star in 1984; he specialized in politics and also served as a reporter, columnist, political editor, and, most recently, senior editor; he was the face of the Register Star and gave the newspaper a personality it needed; his columns were must-reads, as he blended information with wit and wisdom; his remarkable memory and encyclopedic knowledge of all things local made him a valuable resource to all journalists; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny's community advocacy meant that he kept harping on issues until they were resolved; his love for Rockford made him critical of the politicians, developers, and special interest groups who impeded the city's progress; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was voted best columnist in the Register Star's annual What Rocks reader poll; he was a sought-after speaker by many clubs and organizations and was a frequent debate moderator; he was one of the questioners during the gubernatorial candidates debate between Rod Blagojevich and Jim Ryan; he appeared as a commentator on local television, was a guest on National Public Radio, and was a regular user of Facebook; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was also a musician; he played electric piano in several bands that performed around the region; he will be remembered as a lifetime journalist, political advocate, and Rockford historian and commentator; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Sweeny is survived by his wife, Cherene; his son, James M.D. Sweeny; his daughter, Stephanie M.M. Sweeny; his sister, Mary (Robert) Douglas; his brothers-in-law, Michael Gourley and Patrick (Cheryl) Gourley; his niece and nephews, William C. Douglas, Emily A. Douglas, Todd Gourley, and Lisa Sanders; and his many other extended family members; 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 Charles D. "Chuck" Sweeny 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 Chuck Sweeny as an expression of our deepest sympathy.