HR0726 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0726 LRB099 13954 MST 37957 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Anthony Yaw Sarfo Kwateng of Munster, Indiana, who passed away on July 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng was born in Atimatin, Maase, Ghana on September 27, 1948 to Nana Akwasi Kyere Kwateng, Boagyaa Yokohene, and Obaa Panin Akosua Obour Serwaa; he began his early education at Kwabere, Maase and later transferred to St. Joseph Catholic School in Kumasi, Ghana; he was class captain and a leader in the Baiden Powell Boys Scout Group at St. Joseph's School; he played soccer, establishing himself as a brilliant goalkeeper; after graduating from St. Joseph's, he continued his education at the Tamale Government Technical School in the northern part of Ghana; he completed his technical school education at Takoradi Polytechnic in the Western Region of Ghana in 1963, with a diploma in building technology; and

WHEREAS, In 1964, Anthony Kwateng began working in Accra, Ghana with the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor; he married Mary Winifred Nyam in Agona Asafo, Ghana in 1971, and, in 1972, immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng's wife joined him in the U.S. in 1973 and they settled in Maywood; he studied at Triton College and began working for the Holloway Tiling Company as an estimator and then J. Wright & Sons; he moved his family to Gary, Indiana and began working for Means Developers as a Chief Estimator and Project Manager; on May 23, 1982, he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology and 2 associates degrees in supervision and architectural technology; and

WHEREAS, While continuing his work with Means Developers, Anthony Kwateng began pursuing his own entrepreneurial goals; he invested in a restaurant in Gary, Indiana called Cindy's and opened an office supply store; in 1984, he co-founded Oakley Construction Company, Inc. in Chicago, the first major Ghanaian-African/American construction company with offices in the U.S. and Ghana; he served as Vice-President and Secretary of the company from its founding until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng was a founding member of the Asanteman Association of Chicago and the Ghana USA Chamber of Commerce; he was an active member of Black Contractors United and an avid supporter of local chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers; he often did philanthropic work in the 15th Ward/Englewood neighborhood, feeding the homeless, supporting battered women's shelters, and donating to the Chicago Housing Authorities' Children's Christmas programs; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng volunteered during Black History Month, visiting local Gary schools to educate children on Ghanaian culture and history; during his free time, he could be found blasting Ghanaian music throughout the house, supporting family and friends in the local Ghanaian community at various events, working on his latest business venture, or working out, which for him included a long walk on the treadmill and an even longer stay in the steam room at his local gym; he also enjoyed watching CNN or sports; he served as President of the Parent Teacher's Association at his children's school and was always the loudest spectator at their events; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng was a greeter at his church St. Thomas Moore in Munster, Indiana until he became a founding patron of the Ghanaian Catholic Community Church of Chicago; he devoted the last several years of his life to the church; he was also a dedicated member of the Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group; as a patron and member of the church choir, he always provided for the needs and welfare of the choir; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Kwateng is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Odilia Kwateng, Antoinette Kwateng-Brimah (Ali), and Akua Kwateng-Bonsu (William); his son, Prince Kwaku Afriyie Kwateng (Ashley); his grandchildren, DeAnthoni, Malachi, Myia, McKenzie, and Nathaniel; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Anthony Yaw Sarfo Kwateng, 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 Anthony Kwateng as an expression of our deepest sympathy.