HR0471 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0471 LRB101 12896 ALS 61731 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Gene "Coach Ping" Pingatore of Westchester, who passed away on June 26, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Gene Pingatore was born to Frank and Annette Pingatore on October 12, 1936; and

WHEREAS, Gene Pingatore was the coach of the St. Joseph High School basketball team, the Chargers; the most successful coach in Illinois high school basketball history, he had a record of 1035-383 in 50 years; he coached NBA stars Isiah Thomas and Evan Turner and three McDonald's All-Americans, Isaiah Thomas, Daryl Thomas, and Daryl Cunningham; he had a starring role in the 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Gene Pingatore was coaching at the Riverside-Brookfield shootout and was planning to start his 51st season at the helm of the Chargers' basketball program; under his guidance, the Chargers were one of the state's best teams, winning two state championships, advancing to the state finals six times, and winning 13 sectionals; in 2017, he was honored with a massive celebration by the school when he won his 1,000th game; and

WHEREAS, As a coach, Gene Pingatore valued "the relationships that were developed"; according to the IHSA Executive Director, "the number of students he impacted during his career is immeasurable"; and

WHEREAS, Gene Pingatore was the loving father of Lisa (Mike) Crispo, the proud grandfather of Erin, Kelli, and Jack, the beloved fiance of Jill Oakley, the proud uncle of Frank (Kristin) Kasprzak, Nick Kasprzak, and the late Robert E. Kasprzak, the loving son of the late Annette and Frank, the dear brother of the late Sandra, and the brother-in-law of Robert Kasprzak; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gene "Coach Ping" Pingatore 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 Gene Pingatore as an expression of our deepest sympathy.