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 Counc...
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