SR0701 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0701 LRB095 21394 GRL 50699 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Joseph L. Graham, who passed away on April 29, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Joseph L. Graham was born on November 28, 1935 in Chicago; his hometown was Hickory Hills; his parents were Joseph and Margaret Graham; he married Theresa Graham (nee Pecord) in August of 1959 in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Joseph L. Graham was educated in the Carmelite Seminary in Niagara Falls, New York; he earned his bachelor's degree in history from DePaul University in 1959; and

WHEREAS, After serving a year in the classroom at St. Rita Catholic High School, Joseph L. Graham served as a teacher and administrator with Oak Lawn Community High School for almost 30 years; by his own estimation, he had more than 7,000 students in his classrooms before retiring in 1991 as chairman of Oak Lawn's social studies department; and

WHEREAS, After leaving the school, Joseph L. Graham distinguished himself by organizing events for retirees, such as ex-teacher breakfasts every few weeks and bleacher seating for former teachers at school sporting events; and

WHEREAS, After a period of intense study, Joseph L. Graham knew enough about pediments, bay windows, terra cotta, and austere skyscrapers to turn Chicago architecture into a hobby; for a time during his retirement, he led downtown architectural walking tours that proved popular with Chicago tourists; and

WHEREAS, Joseph L. Graham served as a Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Patrick Church; and

WHEREAS, Joseph L. Graham was the beloved husband of Terry, nee Pecord; the loving father of Mike (Christine), Mary Beth (Doug) Gaffney, and the late Eileen; the cherished grandfather of Brittany, Erin, Ryan, Matthew, and Adam; and the dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many loving people; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Joseph L. Graham; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joseph L. Graham as an expression of our sympathy.