SR1164 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1164 LRB101 21375 LAW 72001 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Rudolf A. "Rudy" Frasca of Savoy, who passed away on May 11, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca was born in Chicago to Anthony and Jenny Frasca on April 19, 1931; he started learning to fly when he was 14; he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and he worked as a flight instructor while stationed at Glenview Naval Station; he attended the University of Illinois, where he researched aviation psychology and maintained simulators at the Aviation Research Lab; he married Lucille Matern in 1955; they moved to Champaign and raised their eight children; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca built his first flight simulator in his garage in Champaign; he founded Frasca Aviation in 1958, which was later renamed Frasca International; his company was located on the southeast corner of Neil and Green streets in Champaign until 1990, when the factory moved to Frasca Field in north Urbana; he became a titan in the flight simulation industry, with his simulators being sold around the world to aviation schools, commercial airlines, and the U.S. Navy; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca was a benefactor of several aviation organizations; he had a special place in his heart for collegiate aviation, including the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), the intercollegiate flight competition SAFECON, and the University Aviation Association (UAA); he loaned several of his aircraft to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) museum for the enjoyment of the general public; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca was active in many aviation organizations; he received a number of accolades for his personal efforts and his company's contributions, including being selected as the grand marshal in the 2015 Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade and named the V. Dale Cozad Entrepreneur of the Year by the Parkland College Foundation in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca was known for his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and his faith; his family was everything to him; he enjoyed organizing fly-ins and collecting antique planes; he wrote a book about his love of aviation called From Cubs to Spitfires; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Joseph Frasca; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Frasca is survived by his wife, Lucille; his seven children; and his 18 grandchildren; 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 Rudolf A. "Rudy" Frasca 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 Rudy Frasca as an expression of our deepest sympathy.