HR1136 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1136 LRB094 20174 HSS 57977 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of Robert John Biancalana of Elmwood Park on Thursday, March 9, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Robert John "Bobby" Biancalana, son of Helen and Albert Biancalana, was born on June 27, 1947; he was raised in the Village of Elmwood Park along with his brothers, Albert and James Biancalana, and resided in the village his entire life; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Biancalana graduated from St. William School and Weber High School; he later served in the Illinois National Guard, attended Loyola University, and graduated from Washburne trade school, where he studied culinary arts; and

WHEREAS, He was a co-owner and operator of the family business, Elmcrest Banquets by Biancalana, which has become a landmark in Elmwood Park, providing many generations of families, friends, and community members a place to gather and enjoy dinner at the restaurant, a cocktail in the bar, or an occasion to celebrate in the banquet facility; and

WHEREAS, He was committed to the people of Elmwood Park; his involvement in the community ranged from coaching little league to eventually becoming a village trustee; through the years, he served as Chairman to the Citizens Safety Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, and as Chairman of the Fire and Police Commission; in April of 2005, he was elected to the Village Board as a Trustee and proudly served the people of his town; and

WHEREAS, His passions included hunting, fishing, bike riding, and a love for the outdoors, country music, and politics; he was devoted to his family and the family business; and

WHEREAS, In October of 2002, he was diagnosed with colon cancer which had metastasized to his liver; he was proud and determined and faced the surgeries and treatments he needed without complaints; he continued to go to work, spend time with his family and friends, and did not miss his annual hunting trip out west; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Robert John "Bobby" Biancalana has been deeply felt by all who knew and loved him; he married Rosemarie (nee Small) Biancalana in August of 1992; he was the father of Robert Jr., Christina (Bernard) Barbaric, and Andrea; he was also the grandfather of Elena and Daniel Barbaric; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert John "Bobby" Biancalana, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community; and be it further

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