SR1126 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1126 LRB102 28507 LAW 40384 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Richard "Dick" Schofield of Springfield, who passed away on July 11, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield was born to John and Florence (Campbell) Schofield in Springfield on January 7, 1935; he spent the majority of his life in Springfield; he attended Harvard Park Grade School and could often be found playing baseball with his friends at Lincoln Park; he graduated from Springfield High School in 1953; he married Donna Jean Dabney in Omaha, Nebraska on June 16, 1956, and she preceded him in death on November 8, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield, who came to be known as "Ducky", embarked on his career with Major League Baseball after graduating from high school; he was the first bonus baby, an amateur player who received a signing bonus and went straight to the Major Leagues, hired by the St. Louis Cardinals in July 1953; he played in the major leagues for a total of 19 seasons with a number of teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, the San Francisco Giants, the New York Yankees, the L.A. Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Boston Red Sox; during his tenure, he had the honor and privilege of playing in two World Series; he was a member of the 1960 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, during which he played a pivotal role in capturing the National League pennant that same year, and his second World Series appearance was while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield held other responsibilities when he was not playing baseball or helping raise his family, including becoming the all-time quarterback for the Circle Drive neighborhood football games; he enjoyed playing basketball, playing cards with his friends, and golfing; he was also passionate about working in the yard, and he especially enjoyed landscaping and mowing the grass; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield was known for being an intense, successful, and dedicated athlete and a very giving and kind individual; he helped many people during his lifetime and never expected anything in return; most importantly, he was extremely proud of his family; he enjoyed cheering for his children and grandchildren during their many sporting events and activities; he especially loved to watch his son, Dick, play baseball over the years; he will be remembered for his passion for baseball and for making his family, friends, and Springfield proud; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield was preceded in death by his daughter, Tami Schofield, and his parents; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schofield is survived by his son, Dick Schofield; his daughter, Kim (Dennis) Werth; his grandchildren, Jayson (Julia) Werth, Hillary (Morgan) Werth, Hannah Werth, Haley (Chad Oldridge) Whitehurst, Gracie (Al) Werth, Hank Schofield, Hayden Schofield, and Millie Schofield; and his great-grandchildren, Jackson Werth, Judah Werth, Pyper Oldridge, Audrey Oldridge, and Riley Schofield; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Richard "Dick" Schofield 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 Dick Schofield as an expression of our deepest sympathy.