RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Brighton Park community, Gerald Ratner was the loving husband of the late Eunice, nee Payton; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 17, 1913, Gerald Ratner was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings on the Southwest Side to become a prominent Chicago real estate attorney and philanthropist; and
WHEREAS, When Gerald Ratner was just five years old, his mother, Sarah, was left to raise three children; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner grew up in a one-bedroom apartment behind a small shop near 41st Street and Kedzie Avenue out of which his mother sold candy, ice cream and tobacco; and
WHEREAS, As a young boy, Gerald Ratner witnessed his mother's resolute work ethic as she worked from 6 a.m. until midnight, catering to workers of the nearby Crane Co. plumbing supply factory; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner graduated at age 16 as the valedictorian of his class at Chicago's Marshall High School and enrolled at the University of Chicago where he was awarded a full academic scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner commuted to class from the Southwest Side by street car and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1935; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner earned a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1937; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Gerald Rainer served in the United States Army in Africa where he processed German and Italian prisoners of war; and
WHEREAS, Following the war, Gerald Ratner co-founded the law firm of Gould & Ratner in Chicago where he practiced law for more than 75 years; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner represented high-profile clients such as the Crown family in business and real estate deals, among them the sale of the Empire State Building; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner was a philanthropist who generously supported the University of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Gerald Ratner serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Ratner will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Gerald Ratner imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirtieth day of July, 2014, do hereby commemorate Gerald Ratner for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
Alderman - 14th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gerald Ratner.