HR1235 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1235 LRB093 23668 CSA 53679 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Mike Bollero of Benton at the age of 84 on September 12, 2004; and

WHEREAS, He was born October 15, 1919 in Johnston City, the son of Frank and Lena (Marchiando) Bollero; he married Eleanor Stowers of Benton on December 22, 1945, and she preceded him in death on July 3, 1992; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from Herrin High School in 1938; he was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from February 3, 1942 to October 20, 1945 in the 622 Ordinance of the European Theatre during World War II, and received a Meritorious Service Award and Bronze Star for his efforts, with a rank of Staff Sergeant; he was awarded an ETO Campaign Ribbon with three campaign stars and a Good Conduct Medal, as well as the Liberty Medal by French President Rene Garrec for participation in the Normandy Campaign; he also served with a small group on the "Red Ball Express," a route for delivering supplies to the troops following the D-Day invasion; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bollero was co-owner of Benton Auto Supply until his retirement in 1981; he was known around Benton as a community activist, helping to express the needs and concerns of the public during numerous municipal and school board gatherings; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Mike Bollero will be felt by all who knew and loved him, especially his son, Bruce and wife Christy Bollero; his daughter, Pamela; his grandchildren, Anthony and wife Angie Bollero, Stephanie Bollero, Christopher Bollero, and Michelle and husband Jason Sears; his great-grandchildren, Zachary and Austin Sears; his brothers, John Bollero, and Franklin and wife Betty Bollero; along with several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mike Bollero and extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and community; and be it further

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