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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CAREER OF RALPH PASSARELLI; CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL AND A CAREER IN SERVICE
WHEREAS, Ralph Passarelli was born in White Plains, New York before heading to Illinois to embark on his illustrious career; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Passarelli attended and graduated from Bradley University from 1966 to 1970. Additionally, Mr. Passarelli attended and graduated from the Ohio State University’s School of Real Estate from 1966 to 1970. Ralph Passarelli graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English (Bradley University) and a degree in real estate (the Ohio State University); and
WHEREAS, Ralph Passarelli served his country as a national guardsmen in the United States’ military while furthering his education. Ralph Passarelli honorably served from 1970 to 1976; and
WHEREAS, upon graduation from both Bradley University and the Ohio State University, Ralph Passarelli became an adjunct professor of real estate finance at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. Ralph Passarelli taught at Lincoln Land Community College from 1974 to 1979; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, Ralph Passarelli attended the University of Virginia. In 1978, Ralph Passarelli graduated from University of Virginia’s school of Consumer Banking. Ralph Passarelli simultaneously attended the University of Georgia graduating from the Institute of Banking Management in 1977; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Passarelli served as Assistant Vice President of Springfield’s Town and Country Bank from 1971 to 1978. Ralph Passarelli transitioned to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sangamon Bank of Trust in 1978. Ralph Passarelli served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1978 to 1983. Ralph Passarelli later became the Vice President of Champion Federal Savings and Loan Association from 1983 to 1987; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, Ralph Passarelli began his public service career when he became Division Manager for the State of Illinois’ Department of Central Management Services, Bureau of Benefits, Risk Management Division. Ralph Passarelli was responsible for managing the State’s Worker’s Compensation Program, the State’s Auto Liability Program, the procurement of Commercial Insurance, and the State’s Employee Indemnification Program. Ralph Passarelli’s public career and leadership continued to grow as he served as Division Manager until 2003; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Ralph Passarelli undertook a new venture as Director of Risk Management for the Board of Trustees Community College District No. 508, better known as the City Colleges of Chicago. As Director of Risk Management, Ralph Passarelli was responsible for the creation, design, implementation and ongoing management and administration of the City Colleges’ comprehensive risk management program, while overseeing an annual $2.7 million budget. Ralph Passarelli worked with numerous outside counsels, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, during his tenure as Director of Risk Management. Ralph Passarelli demonstrated his consummate professionalism and leadership as Director of Risk Management from the moment he undertook this role until his well-deserved retirement on August 30, 2022; and
WHEREAS, in addition to celebrating the professional milestones and career of Ralph Passarelli, we also acknowledge and uplift Ralph Passarelli’s civic service and accomplishments beyond his professional career. Ralph Passarelli served as Chairman, Commissioner, and Comptroller of the Springfield Airport Authority; President of the Springfield Economic Development Council; President of the Friends of the Prairie Stars Athletic Foundation; Founding Board Member of the Springfield Area Soccer Association; Chairman and Board Member of the Springfield Humana Hospital Advisory Board; Board Member of the Illinois Environment Council; Member of the Bradley University Alumni Association; Committee Chair of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame; Board Member of the Abraham Lincoln Council for the Boy Scouts of America; Finance Director for the First Night Springfield Celebration of the Arts; Head Coad for the Champion Soccer Club; Finance Committee Member for the Blessed Sacrament Parish; Adult Outreach Committee Member for Assumption Church; and Development Committee Member for the Gale Sayers Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Passarelli is known for his mastery of the English language, his keen wit, his impeccable fashion, and his deep, heartfelt laugh. Ralph Passarelli brought these qualities and more to his work and to all those lucky to work with, for, and alongside Ralph Passarelli; and
WHEREAS, Galatians 5:13 says, we are here to serve one another through love. Ralph Passarelli embodied service for almost fifty (50) years through his service to the State of Illinois, Service to the City of Chicago, and service to Cook County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER of the 3rd DISTRICT AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT of the COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby stand, and salute the wonderful career of Ralph Passarelli.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to the family of; and Ralph Passarelli.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: a copy of this Resolution will be filed within the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd District.
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