Bill Text: IL SR1268 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Raymond Zotti.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-01-31 - Resolution Adopted [SR1268 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SR1268-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of Raymond Zotti, who passed away on October
18, 2017 at the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti was born on September 3, 1917 and
was a native of the South Side of Chicago until 1966, when he
moved to Oak Park; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti, following in his father's
footsteps, worked in railroading, first for the New York
Central System, where he was chief clerk in the master
mechanic's office, and later with the Association of American
Railroads; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti was a union man to the core and
served for many years as financial secretary of his local of
the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti's lifelong passion, taken up in his
teens, was racing homing pigeons, about which he could speak
for hours; among his proudest achievements, his pigeons came
"first in city" twice in weekly races; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti and his birds were featured in the

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suburban Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, and on ABC7
News with Frank Mathie; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti and his late wife, Mary Irene,
renovated two homes, the first in Chicago's Austin neighborhood
and the second in Oak Park, where the couple raised six
children; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti was an artist who produced beautiful
drawings; he was also a talented musician, who periodically
entertained the family with impromptu piano recitals that
invariably concluded with a bravura rendition of "Under the
Double Eagle"; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti was noted for his stubborn
perfection and his bold, attractive handwriting; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti kept his wits about him until the
end; when told he deserved a beer after struggling up the front
steps with the aid of his sons and grandson following Mary
Irene's funeral in 2015, he said, "Make it two"; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti was preceded in death by his beloved
and patient wife, Mary Irene; his dear sister, Marie, and her
husband, William Hansen; his sister-in-law, Mary Anne Zotti;
and his loving son-in-law, Thomas Gavin; and

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WHEREAS, Raymond Zotti is survived by his siblings, Tom,
Albert, and Blanche; his children, Edward (Mary Lubben), Robert
(Barbara), John (Christine), Eileen (David) Wargo, Margaret
(Michael Leonetti) Gavin, and William (Allison) Zotti; his
grandchildren, Ryan (Betty), Ani and Andrew Lubben Zotti,
Michael, Matthew (Frances), Shayne, Kevin and Brian Zotti, Jack
(Suzy), Margaret, and Patrick Zotti, David and Laura Wargo,
Kristine and Shannon Gavin, and Christopher (Rachel), Emily,
and Matthew Zotti; his great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jane, and
Henry Zotti and Liam Zotti; many nieces and nephews; and his
devoted caregiver, Nenita Johnson; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Raymond Zotti, 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 Raymond Zotti as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.