Philip J. Rock, 78, 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 twenty two years, the last fourteen 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. Following his retirement from the Illinois General Assembly, he returned to his private law practice with his best friend and law partner, Daniel R. Fusco, at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC in Chicago. He was a member of many professional and community organizations and served on numerous charitable and philanthropic boards. Phil is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-one 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 February 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois.