Durbin Introduces Legislation to Name Rockford Courthouse After Judge Roszkowski

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today introduced legislation to name the United States District Courthouse in Rockford, Illinois after Stanley J. Roszkowski, former Federal Judge in the Northern District of Illinois. Roszkowski who served in combat as a member of a bomber crew in World War II, played an integral role in bringing a new federal courthouse to Rockford.

"Whether in a bomber or on the bench, Stanley Roszkowski has dedicated his life to serving his country," said Durbin. "I can think of no better way to honor his commitment than by naming this federal courthouse, which he worked so tirelessly to see built, after him. I hope my colleagues will join me in enacting this tribute to a great American."

Stanley J. Roszkowski was raised in Royalton in Southern Illinois, one of fifteen children. During World War II, he volunteered for the U.S. Air Force and served as a nose gunner on a B26 bomber, flying over 35 missions in Italy and Germany. After the war he went on to earn his B.A. from the University of Illinois and then his law degree, working as an appliance salesman to pay for school and meeting his wife Catherine.

When he moved to Rockford, he opened up a successful law practice and became involved in his community. He gave up this practice when President Carter appointed him to the bench, serving for the next twenty years as a Federal Judge in the Northern District of Illinois. He became known for running a business-like but relaxed courtroom, and was praised by his peers for being extremely knowledgeable, fair and objective, and a gentlemen at all times, with a wide breadth of experience and an uncommon sense of decency.

Durbin and Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) worked to secure federal funds for the new Rockford Courthouse since the project's inception - a total of more than $99 million. The existing Rockford courthouse was built more than 25 years ago. It is filled to capacity and has structural problems that would be prohibitively expensive to repair, impeding efficient functioning of the court. In addition, the lack of a separate prisoner entrance compromises security at the facility.

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