SR0271 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0271 LRB103 32288 ECR 61584 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Alderperson Theophelo "Tuffy" Quinonez of the Rockford City Council, who passed away on February 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was born to Tiofilo M. and Alberta M. (Martinez) Quinonez in Chicago on January 31, 1947; he graduated from West High School in Rockford in 1965 and attended Lincoln Barber College; he served in the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was a retired barber shop owner; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez became the first Latino American elected to the Winnebago County Board in 1972; while he lost his reelection bid, he was appointed to another term in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez served as alderperson of the 11th Ward on the Rockford City Council; he was first elected 2017 and then reelected in 2021; during his tenure, he worked with city officials to secure accessible parking spaces in front of the VFW at 922 7th Street and used his share of ward funding toward repairing streets and sidewalks in front of the homes and apartments of senior citizens living in his ward; he became known for his trademark greeting of "everything's good" and was noted by colleagues for his unwavering support for small business and the hospitality industry, his commitment to serving his constituents, his ability to return a favor, and his quiet political savvy; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was the founder of the Mexican Business Association; he was a member of the American Legion, the Navy Club, Club Patriotico Mexicano (CPM), Lo Vox Latina, the Latin American Community Organization, the Association of Clubs, and the Broadway Business Association; he was an active member of the VFW for decades, where he volunteered to manage the cantina, help run various events, and support veterans; he was also a delegate of the 7th Street VFW in Rockford; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was a man of strong faith; he enjoyed attending flea markets and estate sales, playing darts in dart leagues, and participating in car shows with his 1955 Buick; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez was preceded in death by his mother; his brother, Thomas M. Quinonez; and his sister-in-law, Josephine Carmona; and

WHEREAS, Alderperson Quinonez is survived by his daughter, Martine (Johnny) Guerrero; his grandchildren, Dominic and Angelino Guerrero; his siblings, Celena Quinonez and Frank Carmona; and his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Alderperson Theophelo "Tuffy" Quinonez of the Rockford City Council 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 Alderperson Quinonez as an expression of our deepest sympathy.