SR0066 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0066 LRB099 05936 MST 25985 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lawrence E. Morrissey of Joliet, who passed away on January 8, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Morrissey was born in Joliet on July 19, 1936 to Margaret and Charles; he graduated from Cathedral of St. Raymond School, Joliet Catholic High School, the University of Illinois, and The John Marshall Law School; he served in the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Morrissey began his legal career in 1964 as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois and, in 1967, was appointed Chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering section for the Northern District of Illinois; in 1969, he received a meritorious service award from United States Attorney General, Ramsey Clark, who credited him with helping disband the Chicago crime syndicate; in 1974, he opened his own practice in downtown Chicago while at the same time working at O`Brien, Garrison, Berard & Kusta, a Joliet law firm that he credited for the development of his civil litigation skills; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Morrissey represented defendants in numerous high profile government probes and scandals, but his real passion was providing representation to the less fortunate, often on a pro bono basis; he took great pleasure in helping people from all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Morrissey was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Mark Ahmann; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Morrissey is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen (nee Landreman); his children, Dr. Lawrence (Tamara), Charles (Susan), and William (Aleksandra); his 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, Colin, Charlie, Madeleine, Allie, Teresa, Elliott, Klara, Joshua, Benjamin, and Brigita; his sister, Rosemary (David) Ahmann; and many very special nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lawrence E. Morrissey, 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 Lawrence Morrissey as an expression of our deepest sympathy.