SR0786 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0786 LRB098 16374 MST 51438 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gerald F. Tuite, Sr., formerly of Rockford, who passed away on December 31, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Tuite, Sr. was born on November 15, 1928 to John C. and Mildred (nee Murphy) Tuite; he served his country as a combat infantry leader and chief photographer with the United States Army in Japan during the Korean War; he attended Rockford College and Georgetown University and then Chicago-Kent College of Law, graduating with honors and his Juris Doctor in 1958; and

WHEREAS, In 1958, Gerald Tuite, Sr. opened Gerald Tuite & Associates in Rockford, specializing in Labor Law, Workers' Compensation Law, and Personal Injury Law; he was a frequent lecturer on workers' rights and at Bar Association seminars; he was a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association, and the American and Illinois Trial Lawyers Associations and he received numerous accolades for his service to various organizations; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Tuite, Sr. was active in Democratic politics in the Rockford area; he served as a Precinct Committeeman and Vice-Chairman of the Winnebago County Democratic Party and was active in many campaigns for local, State, and national offices; he also served as an Assistant Attorney General for 8 years; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Tuite, Sr. was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Naples Yacht Club, the Big Foot Country Club, the Metropolitan Club, the Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity, and was a charter member of Saint Bridget Catholic Church in Loves Park; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Tuite, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, John Tuite; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Tuite, Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Francine Williams Tuite; his children, Gregory E. (Mary) Tuite, Dr. Gerald F. (Susan) Tuite, Jr., Michael P. (Jennifer) Tuite, and Tracy (Paul) Beraud; his 9 grandchildren; and 1 great-granddaughter; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gerald F. Tuite, Sr., 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 Gerald Tuite, Sr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.