SR1320 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1320 LRB103 43163 ECR 76425 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Larry Shapiro, who passed away on September 8, 2024 at the age of 79; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro was known throughout Proviso Township for his work mobilizing community members to improve their surroundings, including coordinating a senior club, rejuvenating the township's jazz scene, and organizing a winning slate of reform-minded school district and library board candidates; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro was a former English teacher who taught at South Shore International College Preparatory High School on Chicago's South Side; he was loved by many generations of students, some of whom even played a role in their former teacher's post-retirement while he flourished in the suburbs; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro served as chief of staff for then-State Representative Karen Yarbrough, and he later transitioned to serving as communications director for former Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough; after concluding his time with Mayor Yarbrough, he served as a suburban representative for Congressman Danny K. Davis; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro saw his time with Mayor Yarbrough as an opportunity to help connect Maywood residents to their government, and he did so by creating the Maywood News and helping found the Coffee with the Mayor program, both of which promoted the visibility, accessibility, and interactivity of Maywood's government; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro used his time as communications director to launch initiatives highlighting successful young people within District 88 and 89 schools by establishing the Honor Roll Reception, which honored all students in Maywood who made the honor roll; he also took time to recognize the most-improved students during board meetings to encourage those who had not yet made the honor roll to push themselves further academically; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro helped develop the concept that served as the model for revolutionizing his township's senior club; his work for the senior club helped bolster membership and ensured the establishment of regular club meetings, which featured special guests and provided free legal and healthcare services, lunches, and various other community resources; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro revived Maywood's jazz scene by hosting bimonthly jazz nights at a local restaurant, helping attract music lovers from all over the Chicagoland area, including world-class musicians, to Maywood; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro also helped revolutionize Bellwood School District 88 and Bellwood Public Library Boards by drafting a slate of individuals who were intent on reform and leadership, thus promoting both; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro's advocacy work won him much recognition over the years, including a Village Heritage Award from nonprofit Operation Uplift in Maywood; and

WHEREAS, Larry Shapiro will be remembered for the countless students and residents he inspired, whose lives he helped transform into something greater; 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 Larry Shapiro 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 Larry Shapiro as an expression of our deepest sympathy.