SR0127 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0127 LRB103 31331 LAW 58743 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John D. Cooney Sr., who passed away on February 23, 2023; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney was born on August 8, 1954; he was raised in Oak Park and graduated from Fenwick High School; he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University in 1976 and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in 1979; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney initially worked as a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Felony Trial Division from 1979 until 1985; he then joined his father, Robert Cooney Sr., as a trial lawyer at the firm known today as Cooney & Conway, LLP in Chicago; he became an eminent trial attorney at the firm, leading one of the country's premier legal practices specializing in representing individuals who have been injured as a result of asbestos-related disease; he served as chairman in more asbestos bankruptcy proceedings than any other attorney in the United States and obtained more the $20 billion in awards for victims of mesothelioma as well as other clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney's commitment and tireless advocacy on behalf of clients seeking justice helped shape how asbestos victims are treated by the legal system, impacting the lives of thousands of people around the world; he was known as an absolute force in Illinois and across the country, not only in representing his own clients but also in advocating for victims' rights; he was universally recognized by attorneys and judges around the country as a man of integrity, decency, and honor; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney was a regular visitor to the General Assembly in Springfield, advocating on behalf of injured people across Illinois; his mere presence at the witness table inspired confidence in his allies and consternation among his opponents; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney was involved in several organizations; he was a member of the University of Chicago Medical Center's Board of Trustees, the founding chairman of the American Bar Association Mass Torts Litigation Committee, and an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, where he served as president from 2014 to 2015; he additionally gave his time and resources generously to a number of institutions and scores of other charitable causes; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney was known for his larger-than-life personality, his intellect, his wit, his humor, and his love of life; and

WHEREAS, John Cooney was the husband of Barbara Cooney for 35 years; the father of Elizabeth (Matt Caraher), Devitt (Bess), and Bobby (Hutton); the brother of Bob (Loretta) and the late Nora (Richard) Cooney Marra; the son of the late Robert and Noreen Cooney; the uncle and cousin of many; and the friend of countless individuals; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John D. Cooney 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 John Cooney as an expression of our deepest sympathy.