MEMORIAL-ROBERT G. ZAGONE
The resolution not only honors Zagone's contributions to the entertainment community but also highlights the importance of family in his life. He transformed a small novelty shop into a family-run business that produced iconic masks, with notable mentions of his products being featured in cultural references such as the movie 'E.T. the Extraterrestrial.' This legacy reflects the blending of personal achievement and community involvement, showing how one individual can influence local economic and cultural landscapes.
SR0199 is a Senate resolution that commemorates the life and contributions of Robert George 'Bob' Zagone, who passed away on January 7, 2023, at the age of 78. Zagone was a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, particularly for his achievements in magic and the novelty business. He owned Zagone's Magic and Novelty Shop in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago, where he sold costumes and magic tricks along with gag gifts. His innovative work in the mask industry, particularly for creating more comfortable and realistic masks, left a lasting impact on the field.
While the resolution is largely celebratory, it does evoke a consideration of how individual contributions to the arts and local businesses can be overlooked in larger legislative discussions. There could be contention regarding the prioritization of memorializing individuals like Zagone in contrast to pressing legislative issues that are often debated in state assemblies. It also brings to light the significance of local artists and businessmen in sustaining cultural heritage and community identity.