SR1985 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1985 LRB100 23335 ALS 42356 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John P. Coffey of Raleigh, North Carolina, formerly of Peoria, who passed away on August 24, 2018; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey was born in Peoria to Alice Quinn and William J. Coffey on June 9, 1941; he graduated from Peoria Spalding High School and Lewis University; he earned his Master of Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University; he served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey retired as an Executive Vice President and a member of the chairman's council from State Farm Insurance Company after 33 years of service; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey served on the Board of Directors for a variety of organizations, including the McLean County Center for Human Services, Chestnut Health Systems, and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce as well as the Holy Trinity Parish school board in Bloomington; he was the food donation coordinator for St. Peter's Parish in Jupiter, Florida and the director of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 530 in Durham, North Carolina; he was awarded the Distinguished Alumnae Award from the Eastern Illinois University College of Business and served as a leader on their Master's Degree in Business Dean's Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey was a devoted parishioner of Raleigh's St. Francis of Assisi Church and volunteered his time as a consultant; he was an ardent college football fan, especially of the University of Notre Dame; he loved a good game of golf with his friends and fishing trips; he was an avid reader, loved traveling with his family, and had a talent for great story telling; he was a mentor, loyal friend, and confident who touched many lives with his advice, generosity, and insight; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, John Coffey is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jo; his daughter, Michelle (Tom) Paul; his son, Mark (Jenny) Coffey; his grandchildren, Peyton and Carter Paul and Quinn Coffey; his brothers, William J. Coffey and Michael P. Coffey; and his beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John P. Coffey 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 John Coffey as an expression of our deepest sympathy.