Hello Stephanie,

I returned from Springfield to hear about Ray Moore's passing. I enjoyed his 100th Birthday celebration and he passed at the young age of 101. He was a dear friend of mine and I always enjoyed our conversations,

Ray joined the 8th Army Air Corps as a mechanic in the 398th bomb group of the 1st Air Division, which was one of many bomber groups in England at the time. The 398th was based at Nuthampstead in England. Ray was part of the 603rd squadrons.

As a tail gunner, Ray flew in 29 strategic bombing missions, including the D-Day mission on June 6, 1944. Flying in a B-17 bombing mission was one of the most dangerous jobs in the war.

His smile and warm personality will be missed by not only me but everyone who knew him, and will always be in my thoughts and prayers. His visitation is this afternoon and his funeral is tomorrow if you are able to attend and pay respects.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

P.S. Read all the way to the bottom to participate in this week's Trivia Challenge!

Ray Lee Moore, 101 years, 2 months and 23 days, passed away quietly at the home of his granddaughter, Mandy Sherman on Monday, May 6, 2024 as she tended to him. He was born on February 12, 1923 to Ruby Lee (Bridges) and Ray G. Moore.

Ray attended Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hill elementary school on Aurora’s west side. In 4th grade his family moved to Belknap, IL where he attended a one room school house where the teacher arrived, riding a mule. Ray’s sense of humor, hard work ethic, and compassion were formed in these early years. After graduating Vienna High School in Vienna, IL, Ray returned to Aurora to work at the CB & Q locomotive shops at the Roundhouse on Broadway.

On November 16, 1942, Ray volunteered to go into the U.S. Army and after his basic training, he was honored to be chosen to enter the U.S. Air Corp, stationed in Nuthampstead, England, in the 398 Bomb Group, 603rd Bomb Squadron, 84th Air Force. After his service in the Army, Ray bought a 1932 Ford Coupe and traveled the country; eventually settling in Miami, FL before returning to Aurora where he secured employment with the Burlington Railroad where he rose to the position as locomotive engineer.

Ray married the girl next door, Dolores Zagorce. He hand built their home in Marywood and they became lifelong members of Annunciation Church.

He is survived by his daughter Janet Sherman; son Ron (Barb); several grandchildren Jennifer (late Kelly) Byrne, Mandy, Adam, Francis Eric Sherman, Ray, Kelly and Karli Moore; great grandchildren Millicent Sherman, Livia Byrne, and Colton Kreklow great great granddaughter Aleithea L. Sherman, two brothers, Lindell (Arlene) Moore and Larry (Liz) Moore; his close companion Frances Vaughn of Mt. Morris and so many friends that he made throughout his long life; along with his love of trains, the Air Force, cars and his church.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his daughter Diane (James) Moncrief; his son Ray Moore, Jr.; his granddaughter at birth; his son-in-law Gary Sherman; his parents; and his siblings Robert (Catherine) Moore, Doris Moore, Shirley (Wayne) Jeffries, Charles, Dean, Fred (Doris) Moore, Martha (Chuck) Groleske, and Joe (Sue) Moore.

Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:30am to Annunciation Church at 10:00am. Fr. Patrick Gillmeyer, OSB will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery.



Visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Ray’s family.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Illinois Rolling Thunder to the Capitol. Together, we're working on a project to honor Illinois heroes who went Missing In Action by naming highways after them. It was an honor to formally read House Joint Resolutions 53-36, recognizing the service and sacrifice of four remarkable individuals.

Over the weekend, I was deeply honored to receive the "Friend of Law Enforcement Award" from the Polish American Police Association. This distinction means a great deal to me, and I'm grateful for the recognition of my support for our law enforcement officers.

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting Isa Sobhani during Illinois Muslim Action Day. Isa served as my page for the day, joining me in advocating for the issues important to the Muslim community in our state.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Tradeswomen are taking over Springfield May 16 for the FIRST EVER Illinois Tradeswomen Recruitment & Lobby Day. The event is open to women of all ages and all experience levels! All are welcome!

Learn about the building and construction trades and the various job opportunities available to all women across Illinois. Whether you have worked with tools or not, come find a trade that matches your interests!

Learn more HERE

Mark your calendars!

Our annual shred and recycle day will be held on Saturday, July 13th!

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2024 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which offers students a creative way to share their vision of agriculture in our state.

Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.

The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com. Each student may submit up to two photos by June 14, 2024.

More Information at

https://chamberofmontgomeryil.org/scholarship/

Our Constituent Resource card provides you with free tickets to Illinois' best museums, zoos, and aquariums!

Constituents can fill out this form at least 2 weeks in advance. Up to 4 tickets per request.

Use our pass to go to . . .

• John G. Shedd Aquarium
• Brookfield Zoo/CZS
• Museum of Science and Industry
• The Field Museum
• Adler Planetarium
• Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Chicago Academy of Sciences
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Chicago Botanic Garden
• Chicago Children’s Museum
• Museum of Mexican Art
• Chicago History Museum
• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
• DuSable Museum of African American History

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308