SR0355 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0355 LRB104 14016 MST 27081 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leonard "Ben" Toia of Arlington Heights, who passed away on April 5, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Ben Toia was born in Chicago to Salvatore and Josephine (Monteleone) Toia; and

WHEREAS, Ben Toia was the beloved husband for more than 70 years of Sue (Molinaro); the dear father of Leon (Dawn), Sam, and Jacquie (Brad Hokin); the loving grandfather of Leonard, Alex, Jordyn, and Lena; the cherished great-grandfather of three; the fond brother of Vince (Diane), the late Josephine, Jack, Sam (Anna May), Phil, Katherine "Dolly" Filippo, and Margie; the dear son-in-law of Leo and Leona Pianetto/Szemla; the dear brother-in-law of Paulette Linder and the late Marie Letsos; the uncle to many nieces and nephews; and friend to Duke, Major, Sassy, Cleo, Benji, Bernie, and others; and

WHEREAS, Ben Toia was a member of the United States Marine Corps before working as a printer for Popular Mechanics magazine; his career in the hospitality industry began when he opened a bar and later opened everyone's favorite pizzeria, Leona's, a family business; and

WHEREAS, Ben Toia was a businessman, employer, animal lover, noted restaurateur, and family man; he was a beautifully simple man and a gentle giant; his favorite saying was "Life is peaks and valleys, enjoy the peaks because the valleys are right around the corner."; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Leonard "Ben" Toia 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 Toia as an expression of our deepest sympathy.