Bill Text: IL SR1375 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Arthur Velasquez of North Aurora.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-02-08 - Resolution Adopted [SR1375 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SR1375-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of Arthur Velasquez of North Aurora, who
passed away on January 27, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was born in Lockhart, Texas on
December 30, 1934 and attended segregated schools with other
Latino students; and
WHEREAS, As a young boy, Arthur Velasquez worked in his
father's mechanic shop and learned that he was very skilled
with his hands, which would play a role in his later life; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez became involved in politics at a
young age and served on committees with his then-Congressman
Lyndon Johnson; and
WHEREAS, In 1956, Arthur Velasquez met and married his
wife, Alice; they were married for 41 years until her passing
in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez became a carpenter and joined the
United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC); in 1966, he was
appointed as an organizer for the UBC and later became a
representative for the International President of the UBC,

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where he worked in several states, Puerto Rico, and the
Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Arthur Velasquez's increased
responsibilities with the carpenters union allowed him to move
his family to North Aurora; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a true community servant and
served on the boards of many community organizations in Aurora,
including the United Way, the Urban League, the Hispanic
Heritage Advisory Board, Family Counseling Service, Study
Circles, Friends of Seniors, and Centro Panamericano; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was heavily involved in
Democratic politics in the Aurora area, having been a mentor
for many elected officials, whether they were congressmen or
township trustees; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a powerful voice for
organized labor in the Aurora area; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was a passionate advocate for
education; after growing up in segregated schools, he fought
for the right of all students to receive a quality education
and saw it as a great equalizer; and

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WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez served as president of League of
United Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) 5218 and the
LULAC Council of the Aurora Foundation, where he raised more
than $200,000 for scholarships for local students; and
WHEREAS, The stories of Arthur Velasquez's generosity and
kindness in the Aurora community are countless; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Velasquez was the proud father of Patty,
Valarie, Art, April, Crystal and Timothy; grandfather to Dodi,
Jeremy, Christopher, Marcus, Jackie, Mike, Jeff, Amber,
Autumn, Anthony, Tyler, and Sean; and great-grandfather to
Veronica, Victoria, Mya, Liam, Camden, Saylor, Jack, Will,
Brenna, and Jade; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Arthur Velasquez, 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 Arthur Velasquez as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.