SR1647 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1647 LRB099 20984 MST 46023 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois Senate President Philip J. Rock, who passed away on January 29, 2016; and

WHEREAS, President Rock was born in Chicago to Joe and Kathryn Rock on May 4, 1937 and grew up on the northwest side; he attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein; he earned his law degree from the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, President Rock was elected in 1971 and served as Senator for 22 years; he was elected Senate President in 1979, serving for 14 years, until 1993; and

WHEREAS, President Rock served as Democratic Committeeman for Oak Park Township for 22 years, and as Suburban Chairman for the Cook County Democrats for more than a decade; he also served as State Democratic Chairman; and

WHEREAS, President Rock authored more than 450 laws during his time in the Senate and championed many causes to improve the lives of children, including reforms in special education, child adoption, foster care, domestic violence, and child support; he also advanced laws to establish the State's first child abuse and neglect reporting act and mandatory insurance coverage for newborns; one of his most cherished and signature accomplishments was when he helped create the nation's first public school for individuals who are deaf and blind; the Glen Ellyn-based school for the deaf and blind was ultimately renamed the Philip J. Rock Center and School in 1987 to honor his efforts; and

WHEREAS, President Rock was known as a talented orator and for his decency, honesty, and non-partisan approach, working with everyone irrespective of party affiliation; he was also known for his positive attitude and for trying to do the right thing for the State of Illinois; he hosted many backyard barbecues to promote good will and collegiality among lawmakers; and

WHEREAS, After leaving office, President Rock returned to private law practice with his dear friend, Daniel R. Fusco; he later chaired the Illinois Board of Higher Education and headed the Equal Justice Illinois Committee, which fought for increased State funding of civil legal aid; and

WHEREAS, President Rock often said he was born a Catholic, a Democrat, and a Chicago Cubs fan, but not necessarily in that order; he was known for his sense of humor, his commitment and devotion to his family, and his profound sense of obligation to helping those in need; and

WHEREAS, President Rock is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Sheila; his children, Kathleen (Steve) Snow, Meghan (Todd) Simmons, Colleen (John) Mueller, and John J. "Jay" (Lauren) Rock; his twelve grandchildren, Emily, Erin, Lily, and Ellie Snow, Kyleigh, Connor, and Maggie Simmons, Jack, Owen, and Kate Mueller, and Julia and Sarah Rock; and his brother, Michael; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois Senate President Philip J. Rock, 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 President Rock as an expression of our deepest sympathy.