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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Theris M. "Terry" Gabinski of Chicago, 
4who passed away on April 8, 2026; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski was born on November 30, 1938; he 
6studied chemistry at Northern Illinois University and achieved 
7a Master of Education from Loyola University Chicago; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski dedicated his life to service, 
9first as a teacher of math and chemistry before dedicating his 
10time to his beloved hometown of Chicago as a member of the 
11Chicago City Council; he was elected as the 32nd Ward 
12Alderperson of the Chicago City Council in 1969, a position he 
13held until his retirement in 1998; he served his community as 
14both alderperson and vice mayor from 1988 through 1998 and as 
15ward committeeman from 1988 through his retirement from the 
16political sphere in 2008; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski was a dedicated family man; with 
18his son, he spent countless hours sharing his love of 
19knowledge through discussing historic battles, visiting 
20historic landmarks, and discussing music; with his daughter, 
21he introduced her to reading, fostered her love of independent 
22study from a young age, and served as a food critic for her 
 
 
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1many recipes; and
 
2    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski was known for many things, 
3including his love of his family, his city, and his Polish 
4heritage, his mastery of both storytelling and comedic timing, 
5his zest for life, and his generosity, always being available 
6with a listening ear or a helping hand; he leaves a legacy of 
7laughter, love, service, and fiercely loyal friendship; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski was preceded in death by his wife 
9of 38 years, Celeste; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Theris Gabinski is survived by his son, Cpl. 
11Matthew Gabinski, USMC; his daughter, Molly (Gabinski) 
12Priorello; his brother, Roger Gabinski; his nieces, Sara 
13Gabinski and Kelly (Gabinski) Barker; and his nephew, James 
14Gabinski; therefore, be it
 
15    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
16ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
17Theris M. "Terry" Gabinski and extend our sincere condolences 
18to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be 
19it further
 
20    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
21presented to the family of Theris Gabinski as an expression of 
 
 
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1our deepest sympathy.