SR0143 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0143 LRB099 10666 GRL 30916 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Peter J. Traczyk of Oak Park, who passed away on February 7, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body are deeply saddened by Peter's passing, as he personified the spirit of public service and engagement that animates the Village of Oak Park, where he was known as a valued leader, a friend to many, and a loving husband and father; and

WHEREAS, Peter was born on June 29, 1966 in Windsor, Connecticut to Richard and Germaine Traczyk; he graduated from high school and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Peter married Cindy Friess in November of 1994; they moved to Oak Park in 1997, where their 3 children attend school; and

WHEREAS, Peter was an avid shutterbug, capturing every day and many special moments of life; he loved outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and riding ATV's; and

WHEREAS, Peter enjoyed working with his hands, doing carpentry, and playing with the latest gadgets; these skills and his bottomless generosity made him the go to fix-it guy for his friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Peter cleared the winter snow and ice from his neighbors' sidewalks, driveways, and alleys; he loved spending time with his children, exploring new adventures and the world with them and sharing his love of books, movies, and music; and

WHEREAS, Peter had a great sense of humor and he laughed often; his laugh was known as loud and long and was well known to all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Peter was a remarkable citizen and leader in Oak Park; he first served on the Parent-Teacher Organization of Beye School and served as co-president of the organization; and

WHEREAS, Peter was elected to the District 97 School Board in 2007, serving one term as President; and

WHEREAS, In learning of his passing, the District 97 School Board commended Peter as a dedicated public servant whose passion, altruism, and leadership had a profound and lasting impact on the schools and the entire Village of Oak Park; they also noted that he inspired many with his strong work ethic, integrity, and tireless commitment that he displayed on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, Peter was a fixture at school and community events and on the ball fields of Oak Park, where he coached his children in softball, tee-ball, and soccer; and

WHEREAS, Peter is survived by his wife, Cindy; 2 sons, Gilbert and Zachary; a daughter, Helen (Ellie); 5 siblings, David (Linda), Janice (Phil), Christine, Julie, and Amy (Jeb); his in-laws, Judy and Herman Friess, Gregory and Michelle Friess, Lisa and Jeffrey Alder, and Jane Friess; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Peter J. Traczyk; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Peter Traczyk as an expression of our sympathy.