Bill Text: IL SR1341 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Jerome Robert "Jerry" Vainisi of Oak Park.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-12-01 - Resolution Adopted [SR1341 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-SR1341-Introduced.html

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SR1341 LRB102 29706 MST 41753 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Jerome Robert "Jerry" Vainisi of Oak
Park, who passed away on October 4, 2021 at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi was born on October 7, 1941 to
Anthony and Marie (Delisi) Vainisi, Italian immigrants who
settled in Chicago and ran a deli shop near Wrigley Field that
was frequented by members of the Chicago Bears football team
living nearby; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi grew up in a North Side Chicago
apartment, the youngest of four children, and his parents
taught their children the values of education, hard work, and
accountability, as well as a deep commitment to family; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi worked as a ball boy for the Green
Bay Packers while in high school and while his older brother
Jack worked as a scout and business manager for the team; he
then went to Georgetown University; after graduation, he
became a radio sports broadcaster in Monmouth and later earned
a degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law; and
WHEREAS, After working as an accountant at Arthur
Andersen, Jerry Vainisi began a notable career with the

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Chicago Bears in 1972, where he served in multiple roles,
including as controller, treasurer, counsel, and ultimately
advancing to general manager in 1983; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi's tenure with the Chicago Bears led
to an overall record of 47-17, making them one of the greatest
football teams in NFL history and Super Bowl XX Champions in
1986; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi later served as vice president for
player personnel for the Detroit Lions from 1987 to 1990, as
co-founder and head of football operations for the World
League of American Football (NFL Europe) from 1990 to 1995, as
head of the sports and entertainment law group for Hinshaw &
Culbertson, and as chairman and chief executive office of
Forest Park Bank in 1999; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi was inducted into the Chicagoland
Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Italian American Sports
Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi is remembered for his commitment to
family, hard work, and generosity; and
WHEREAS, The Vainisi family enjoyed summer weekends and
numerous family occasions and holidays at what was known as

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Papa's Lake House in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi was preceded in death by his
parents, Anthony and Marie Vainisi; his brother, Jack
(Jacqueline) Vainisi; his sister, Patricia (Jim) Oakes; his
grandson, Sam; and his in-laws, Arthur Lane, Pearl Lane, John
Nash, Jim Oakes, and Jacqueline Vainisi; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Vainisi is survived by his wife, Doris
(Lane); his brother, Samuel (Gretchen Schmidt D.V.M.) Vainisi
D.V.M.; his five children, Mary (Tom) Rogers, Jerry (Tracey),
Jack, Mark (Jen), and Melissa Love; and his 14 grandchildren,
Tony, Dori (Matt) Boyce, Ben Rogers, Maria, Kate (Scott)
Eggleston, Jack, Jerome, Joe, Grace, Nick, Will, Lane Love,
and Michael Love; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Jerome Robert "Jerry" Vainisi 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 Jerry Vainisi as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.