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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
JAMES MANNINO, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, James Mannino was born on May 4, 2021, to Raphael and Hannah Mannino; and
WHEREAS, at a mere 20 months old, it was discovered that James had a neuroblastoma tumor in his abdomen, a cancer that is regrettably almost always diagnosed in young children; and
WHEREAS, family, friends, and community members alike rallied around James as he prepared to undergo chemotherapy treatment; and
WHEREAS, despite enduring physically taxing treatment, James was beloved by doctors and hospital staff at University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital; and
WHEREAS, James enjoyed energetic play with his siblings, Daniel and Lucy; and
WHEREAS, James relished his time at St. David’s nursey school, where he loved to sing and spend time with his friends and teachers; and
WHEREAS, James taught those around him to appreciate the mundane, turning even a trip to the grocery store into a fun experience complete with a free cookie; and
WHEREAS, after fighting for more than two years, James Mannino was called from our midst on June 17, 2025;
WHEREAS, one of James’ favorite activities was to visit a pedestrian bridge near his home and feed the ducks that came by; and
WHEREAS, when the bridge fell into disrepair, the Glenview Park District and Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways partnered to install new concrete footings, and place a new pre-fabricated bridge; and
WHEREAS, Raphael and Hannah Mannino have loving penned a children’s book about James’ affinity for the bridge, affectionately titled “Mighty James and Quack Quack Bridge;” and
WHEREAS, a dedication within the book reads:
“Upon this bridge a laugh still rings,
With sunshine light & butterfly wings,
A might soul whose love flows wide,
He walks with us, just by our side:” and
WHEREAS, James brought joy into the lives of everyone he came in contact with, and is affectionally remembered by those who loved him most as “sunshine in human form”; and
WHEREAS, James leaves behind a larger-than-life legacy, filled with love and light; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of James Mannino and joins them in this time of sorrow; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and suitable copies be tendered to the family of James Mannino, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.end