Record #: R2023-219   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 2/1/2023 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 2/1/2023
Title: Tribute to late Honorable Alfred G. Ronan
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2023-219.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, Honorable Alfred ("Al") G. Ronan has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 75; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, AI is survived by his daughters Maren Ronan (Hon. Nicholas Kantas) and Jenna Ronan, his grandchildren Violet and Alexander Kantas, his longtime partner Cheryl Axley, and his sisters Maryanne Locklin and Bobbie Siller; and

 

WHEREAS, Al was born in Chicago on December 3,1947, to Phyllis and James Ronan; and

 

WHEREAS, Al was a graduate of Fenwick High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago ("UIC") with a degree in Political Science; and

 

WHEREAS, During his time at UIC, Al was a football player and letter winner and later became a generous benefactor ofthe University; and

 

WHEREAS, Al began a career in politics as a downstate political organizer for then candidate and future Governor Dan Walker; and

 

WHEREAS, He was later appointed Director ofthe Division of Mental Health for the State of Illinois, and later as Deputy Secretary at the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

 

WHEREAS, At 31, Al was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives representing the northwest side of Chicago; and

 

WHEREAS, In the Illinois House, Al championed important issues such as a statewide seat belt mandate and consistently pushed for increased funding for K-12 education; and

 

WHEREAS, After 14 years in the Illinois General Assembly, Al started and ran a successful lobbying and consulting practice; and

 

WHEREAS, Al was a trusted friend and political advisor to many, and he will be remembered for his quick wit and extensive knowledge of political issues at both the local and national level; and

 

WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Al imparts a legacy of generosity, compassion, devotion to family and unwavering faith in God; now, therefore

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the. Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, assembled this First day of February, 2023, do hereby commemorate Al for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and

Edward M. Burke Alderman, 14th Ward

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Alfred G. Ronan.