SR1236 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1236 LRB101 21635 LAW 72570 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois State Senator Lawrence M. "Larry" Walsh Sr., who passed away on June 3, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was born in Joliet to Robert and Alice (Hess) Walsh Sr. on March 3, 1948; he graduated from Elwood Grade School in 1962, Joliet East High School in 1966, and Joliet Junior College in 1968, where he earned his associate's degree in Agriculture; he was awarded two honorary doctoral degrees from Lewis University and the University of St. Francis; he married Irene Quigley on November 29, 1969; together, they raised their family in Elwood; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was a devoted farmer; he loved the land and raising his children on the family farm; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh began his long career in public service as a member of the Elwood School Board in 1970; he was first elected Jackson Township Supervisor in 1973, a position he held until December 2004; he served on the Will County Board in 1974 and 1992; he served as an Illinois State Senator, representing the 43rd District, from April 1997 to January 2005; he finished his career in public service as the Will County Executive, a position he held since being elected in 2004; his mission as a public servant was always to better the lives of people who lived and worked in his community; he brought a voice to disability issues, senior services, preservation, and agricultural concerns; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was an active and dedicated member of the community; he served on a number of boards, including the Will County Center for Economic Development, the Will County Governmental League, the Will County Farm Bureau, the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, the Joliet City Center Partnership, the Joliet Owners and Managers Association, and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning; he was also a member of the Joliet Exchange Club, the Elwood Lions Club, Friends of Hospice, and many local chambers of commerce; he passionately contributed to local charities, including the Morning Star Mission, Make a Wish Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and Cornerstone; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was committed to his faith and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington; he attended daily mass and served as a Eucharistic Minister; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh enjoyed playing cards with his many friends, traveling with his wife and dear cousins MaryJane and Joe, and giving tractor rides to his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was known for his vibrant personality and his recognizable, loud voice; he will long be remembered as a dedicated family man and a loyal friend and for voicing the guardian angel Clarence in WJOL's annual radio show performance of It's a Wonderful Life; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Marvin Sr.; and his mother-in-law, Mary (McCormick) Quigley; his brothers, Robert Jr. and Edward; his brothers-in-law, Tom Baudino, Richard Quigley, and Marvin Jr. "Jimmy" Quigley; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Walsh is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Irene; his children, Larry Jr. (Theresa), Frank (Micki), Matthew (Danielle), Sarah (Kyle) Horton, Shawn (Amy), and Brian (Brandy); his 20 grandchildren, Katelynn, Frank Jr., Aidan, Jacob, Matthew Jr., Becca Horton, Nolan, Casie, Joshua, Nicholas, Caleb, Breanna Horton, Brayden, Brittany Horton, Liam, Brody, Charles, Griffin, Molly, and Samuel; his siblings, Joanne (Martin) Katzmarek, John (Sue), Mary (the late Tom) Baudino, Marty (Karen), and Nancy (Linda Mackley); his sisters-in-law, Linda Walsh and Donna Walsh; his brothers-in-law, Michael (Pat), Paul, and Bill Quigley; and his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Illinois State Senator Lawrence M. "Larry" Walsh Sr. 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 the late Sen. Walsh as an expression of our deepest sympathy.