Former Senate President Phil Rock, 78, Dies

Philip J. Rock, 78, was born “a Catholic, a Democrat and a Cubs fan … but not necessarily in that order” on May 4, 1937, to the late Joseph and Kathryn (nee Crimmins) Rock in Chicago, Illinois.

Phil attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary followed by the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Phil received his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. Following his graduation, Phil began his legal career with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General as an Assistant Attorney General and worked under the Hon. William G. Clark and then for the Cook County State’s Attorney as an Assistant State’s Attorney.

In 1970, he was elected to the Illinois State Senate where he proudly served for 22 years, the last 14 of which were as President of the Senate. Phil leaves a legacy of having most of the legislation he sponsored passed into law. He was a champion for the voiceless and helpless and, as a result, was considered by his peers as a true statesman. He was most proud of the legislation that he sponsored to establish a school for the deaf and blind that is located in Glen Ellyn and was dedicated in 1988 as the Philip J. Rock Center and School.

Phil was respected and admired by the members of the General Assembly on both sides of the aisle and had a positive influence on the lives of the many people who served on his legislative staff.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Sheila (nee Graber). He was a loving father of Kathleen (Stephen) Snow, Meghan (Todd) Simmons, Colleen (John) Mueller, and John J. “Jay” (Lauren). “Papa” was most proud of his grandchildren: Emily, Erin, Lily and Ellie Snow; Kyleigh, Connor and Maggie Simmons; Jack, Owen and Kate Mueller; Julia and Sarah Rock. Fond brother of Michael (Peggy Labich), and brother-in-law to Joe Graber (Marietta Pennick), John Graber (Janice Starzyk), Mary McLaughlin (the late George), Dorothy Chase (Joel) and Nancy Roisum (Randy); uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral mass is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St, Chicago, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phil’s name may be made to:

The Philip J. Rock Center and School
818 DuPage Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

or

Misericordia Home
6300 North Ridge Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660

Family statement

“On behalf of the entire Rock family, we sincerely appreciate the kind words, thoughts and prayers on what is a very difficult day for us. Today, a devoted husband, father and grandfather left us for eternal life. We will always remember his unequivocal love and devotion, his wonderful sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to use public service to help those who could not help themselves.”

Statement form Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park)

“Phil Rock is a giant in Illinois politics. His ability to get things done and his unerring sense of fairness should be the standard to which all of us in politics hold ourselves,” Harmon said. “I will always be grateful for his kindness, his decency and his sense of duty to encourage young people to engage in politics. He devoted his public life to make Illinois a better and more humane place for all of us, and he succeeded.”

Statement from House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, (D-Chicago)

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Senate President Phil Rock. He was a great friend, mentor and member of the General Assembly for many, many years. His accomplishments, especially in the area of bettering the lives of children, are legion. Shirley and I join with his many friends and colleagues in offering sympathy and prayers to Sheila and their children for comfort and strength in these difficult times.”

Obituary shared on behalf of the family. Photo via the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.