HR0591 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0591 LRB093 11807 HSS 40316 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with great regret of the death of Dr. Andrew Perez on Monday, May 5, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perez was born Aristeo Silviano Rios to Mabel Gart and Aristeo Silviano Rios, Sr. in Chicago; his mother died while he was very young and his father in later years; he was adopted while still a child by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Perez; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perez graduated from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago; he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Roosevelt University in Chicago and received his doctorate in optometry from the Monroe College of Optometry, which later became part of the Illinois College of Optometry; and

WHEREAS, He valiantly served his country as a member of the 44F Class of the All-Black Army Air Force Program, at Tuskegee, Alabama, during World War II; he received his gunnery wings after training in Florida, qualifying him as an original Tuskegee Airman; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perez married Dr. Bobbie M. Anthony in 1979, although they had met in college 25 years earlier; he taught mathematics and physics at Hyde Park High School, where he was also an assistant principal; he practiced optometry for many years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perez was president of the Central City Optometric Society; the first vice president (twice) and the chairperson of the Financial Development Committee of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.; and he was the first corresponding secretary and newsletter founder for the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council; he was a member/officer of the Chatham Unit of the American Cancer Society; The Holy Name Society of St. Dorothy Church, where he initiated the Chess Club; the Chicago Astronomical Society; the Madonna della Strada Council 5574 of the Knights of Columbus; the American Legion Dorie Miller Post 915; and the Chatham Business Association; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Perez's passing will be deeply felt by family and friends, especially his loving wife, Bobbie M. Anthony-Perez; his nieces, Roenia and Tatia Gill; his daughter, Freida M. Chapman-Weisenfeld (Irving); his sister-in-law, Fannie M. Hunter; and his numerous other nieces and grand/god children, including Lynetta and Edrene White; Roenia, Joshua, and Leval Gill; Karla Scott; Jay Levit (Natalia); Chad Wiesenfeld; and Etol, Camille, and Ashley Garrison; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Dr. Andrew Perez along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Andrew Perez as an expression of our deepest sympathy.