Bill Text: IL SR0127 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of John D. Cooney Sr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-03-10 - Resolution Adopted [SR0127 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0127-Introduced.html

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SR0127 LRB103 31331 LAW 58743 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of John D. Cooney Sr., who passed away on
February 23, 2023; and
WHEREAS, John Cooney was born on August 8, 1954; he was
raised in Oak Park and graduated from Fenwick High School; he
earned his Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University in 1976
and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in
1979; and
WHEREAS, John Cooney initially worked as a prosecutor with
the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Felony Trial
Division from 1979 until 1985; he then joined his father,
Robert Cooney Sr., as a trial lawyer at the firm known today as
Cooney & Conway, LLP in Chicago; he became an eminent trial
attorney at the firm, leading one of the country's premier
legal practices specializing in representing individuals who
have been injured as a result of asbestos-related disease; he
served as chairman in more asbestos bankruptcy proceedings
than any other attorney in the United States and obtained more
the $20 billion in awards for victims of mesothelioma as well
as other clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases;
and

SR0127 - 2 - LRB103 31331 LAW 58743 r
WHEREAS, John Cooney's commitment and tireless advocacy on
behalf of clients seeking justice helped shape how asbestos
victims are treated by the legal system, impacting the lives
of thousands of people around the world; he was known as an
absolute force in Illinois and across the country, not only in
representing his own clients but also in advocating for
victims' rights; he was universally recognized by attorneys
and judges around the country as a man of integrity, decency,
and honor; and
WHEREAS, John Cooney was a regular visitor to the General
Assembly in Springfield, advocating on behalf of injured
people across Illinois; his mere presence at the witness table
inspired confidence in his allies and consternation among his
opponents; and
WHEREAS, John Cooney was involved in several
organizations; he was a member of the University of Chicago
Medical Center's Board of Trustees, the founding chairman of
the American Bar Association Mass Torts Litigation Committee,
and an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers
Association, where he served as president from 2014 to 2015;
he additionally gave his time and resources generously to a
number of institutions and scores of other charitable causes;
and

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WHEREAS, John Cooney was known for his larger-than-life
personality, his intellect, his wit, his humor, and his love
of life; and
WHEREAS, John Cooney was the husband of Barbara Cooney for
35 years; the father of Elizabeth (Matt Caraher), Devitt
(Bess), and Bobby (Hutton); the brother of Bob (Loretta) and
the late Nora (Richard) Cooney Marra; the son of the late
Robert and Noreen Cooney; the uncle and cousin of many; and the
friend of countless individuals; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
John D. Cooney Sr. 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 John Cooney as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.