HR0653LRB100 15293 ALS 30228 r


  
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Benny A. 
4Leonardo, who passed away on October 1, 2017; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Benny Leonardo was the founder and owner of Mr. 
6Benny's Steak & Lobster in Matteson and Mokena; from his first 
7restaurant's beginnings on Western Avenue in Chicago Heights, 
8he was widely regarded as a classic restaurateur and raconteur, 
9skilled at remembering his customers' names and favorite dishes 
10and always ready with stories and jokes about life, politics, 
11and family; and
  
 
12    WHEREAS, The success of Mr. Benny's in Matteson led the 
13family to build a second restaurant in Mokena, which was one of 
14the first buildings specifically designed as a restaurant in 
15the area; the Leonardo family created a distinctive and 
16inviting dining experience for the entire family; and
  
 
17    WHEREAS, Benny Leonardo loved his family, restaurant, 
18hunting, fishing, and endless conversations with patrons; and
  
 
19    WHEREAS, Benny Leonardo was preceded in death by his 
20parents, Dan and Mary Leonardo; and his brother, Dominick 
21(Sandy) Leonardo; and
  
 
 
 
HR0653- 2 -LRB100 15293 ALS 30228 r

1    WHEREAS, Benny Leonardo is survived by his beloved wife of 
267 years, Joy; his children, Vicki Bihler, Nick, Connie (Tom) 
3Shander, and Larry Leonardo; his grandchildren, Renee (Ed) 
4Hayes, Lauren (Andrew) Sweeten, Paul Bihler, Ben (Jessica) 
5Shander, Christopher and Nicholas Shander, and Alexandria, 
6Christian, and Francesca Leonardo; his great-grandchildren, AJ 
7Sweeten and Dylan Hayes; his brother, Dan (Janice) Leonardo; 
8his sister, Phyllis Leonardo; and his many nieces, nephews, and 
9friends; therefore, be it
  
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
11HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
12mourn the passing of Benny A. Leonardo and extend our sincere 
13condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved 
14him; and be it further
  
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
16presented to the family of Benny Leonardo as an expression of 
17our deepest sympathy.