SR1872 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1872 LRB100 22498 ALS 41391 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gabriel V. "Ben" Moreno of Joliet, who passed away on May 31, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Ben Moreno was born in Osceola, Arkansas to Angel and Lucy (Venegas) Moreno on December 28, 1944; he was a lifelong resident of Joliet and graduated from Joliet Central High School; he attended Joliet Junior College; he was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran; he served as a Paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne in the United States Army, where he earned many medals, including two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts; and

WHEREAS, Ben Moreno was an interpreter for the Will County Courthouse and retired in September 2017; and

WHEREAS, Ben Moreno was well known and respected in the community for his work as a community activist and his willingness to help those in need, especially troubled kids; as a boxing coach with the Joliet Park District, he dedicated over four decades to coaching and mentoring youth, keeping them off of the street and out of trouble; many of those he coached and mentored credit him with their success; and

WHEREAS, Ben Moreno was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Jacqueline M. "Jackie" (Toth) Moreno; his daughter, Virginia Moreno; his son, Michael A. Moreno; and his siblings, Joe and Moses Moreno; and

WHEREAS, Ben Moreno is survived by his children, "Bucky" (Meghan) Moreno and Thomas "Boo" (Karin) Moreno; his 12 grandchildren; his siblings, Tony (Mary) Moreno and Santos (Peggy) Moreno; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gabriel V. "Ben" Moreno 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 Ben Moreno as an expression of our deepest sympathy.