SR0680 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0680 LRB097 20754 KXB 67303 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of George W. Tortorella of Champaign, formerly of Waukegan and Morton Grove, who passed away on February 20, 2012; and

WHEREAS, He was born September 30, 1919, in Chicago, son of the late James and Anna (Nierzwicki) Tortorella; he graduated from Lane Tech in Chicago; he married Helen Perala in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, They moved to Ironwood, Michigan, where they built and managed the Blue Cloud Motel on U.S. 2 for several years; they then moved to Waukegan, and Morton Grove, where he returned to his trade as a tool and die maker; he later moved to Mokelumne Hill, California, and then Sunflower, Arizona, where he cultivated many friends and hobbies, one of them being the chief ravioli maker for gatherings and parties; he then moved to Champaign and spent several years at the Champaign County Nursing Home, where he was well taken care of by many caregivers and nurses; and

WHEREAS, He was one of the most optimistic people, upbeat and encouraging; he always saw the best in all people and all situations; he loved to joke and had a million favorite expressions, including "Everything is turkey but the dressing"; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Cook; and his parents; and

WHEREAS, George Tortorella will be sadly missed and is survived by his daughter, Georgine (Gary) Hembrough; his son, Dennis (Geri); his grandson, Stephen Tortorella; and his 5 nieces and 5 nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of George Tortorella; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of George Tortorella as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.