SR0393 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0393 LRB103 33053 ECR 62860 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael Joseph Terry of Springfield and Hollywood, Florida, who passed away on May 25, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry was born to Michael "Mickey" Terry (Tirro) and Esther Goldberg Terry in New York City on March 19, 1932; he and his sister, Pat, spent a majority of their childhood raised in an orphanage and separate foster homes during the Great Depression era; he was married to Lib Driggers, and they later divorced; he was married to Cindy Grooms, and they later divorced; he married Sue (Shymansky) Michael in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, beginning at the age of 15 due to concealing his age; he was a master parachutist, completing over 80 jumps, and was a member of the Special Forces; he served twice during the Korean War and twice during the Vietnam War; he served on General Westmoreland's staff and was an advisor to the South Vietnamese; after returning to the United States, he served in various positions, including heading the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program in Chicago schools; and

WHEREAS, During his service, Michael Terry earned a college degree by attending in-person night classes when available at the locations of his various assignments; he also attended the Defense Language Institute, where he learned Vietnamese prior to his time in Vietnam; over his military career, he earned two Bronze Stars, one Purple Heart, and 10 additional medals; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the U.S. Army as a major, he worked for the Xerox Corporation for 21 years, serving in various positions until he retired as manager of Major Accounts Programs; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry supported various types of charities, including those for children, military veterans, the homeless, abused and abandoned animals, and organizations researching treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry enjoyed many activities, including fishing, hunting both wild animals and mushrooms, working in his vegetable and flower gardens, maintaining his lawn, dancing, playing cards, golfing, boating, swimming, water skiing, snow skiing, and staying active and fit; he liked reading and taking on and completing handyman touch-up projects, and he loved flying a private airplane in which he had partial ownership; after he retired, he took cooking classes at a local college to plan and prepare meals for his wife, Sue; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry was a good man who will be remembered for his kindness and generosity; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Pat Pagan; his aunts and uncles; and other family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, Michael Terry is survived by his wife; his son, Bob (Genie) Terry; his grandchildren, Michael (Logan) Sterner, Heather Lore, Elizabeth (Frank) Fosdick, and Natalie Terry; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; 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 Michael Joseph Terry 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 Michael Terry as an expression of our deepest sympathy.