HR0713 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0713 LRB094 14935 MKM 50011 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives learned with sadness of the death of William A. Norkett of Chicago on October 7, 2005; and

WHEREAS, William A. Norkett was born in Chicago to Lucille and Michael Norkett; he lived virtually his entire life in his Rogers Park neighborhood; he attended Hardy Prep School and Loyola Academy in Chicago and graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland in 1958; and

WHEREAS, Although his dream of attending law school was set aside by an injury he suffered while working on a garbage truck as a teenager, Mr. Norkett enjoyed a long career as an outstanding public servant; he went to work for the State of Illinois as a bridge inspector in 1950; he later worked as a bailiff for the chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court and managed the Elston Avenue Department of Motor Vehicles facility; in 1971 he was appointed the 49th Ward superintendent; he took his job very seriously, finding resourceful ways to deal with problems with streets, signs, traffic signals, and garbage in the neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Norkett was dedicated and generous to his community who enjoyed engaging in conversation with people from all walks of life; he was always willing to lend a helping hand; he volunteered countless hours to the special-needs residents of Misericordia, a Catholic charity and he helped numerous strangers from his neighborhood in need of counseling, food, and, clothing; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Norkett treasured his family and friends and his loss will be felt by many, especially, his wife, Barbara; his daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Beth and Charles Fox and Katie Norkett and Mike Mensiage; his sons and daughter-in-law, Brian W. Norkett and Matthew W. and Mary Norkett; his mother, Lucille Norkett; his brothers and sister-in-law, Rev. Michael P. Norkett and Martin P. and Ann Norkett; his eleven grandchildren; and a multitude of extended family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William A. Norkett and extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.