Here are comments from Naperville mayor Steve Chirico on the death Tuesday morning of George Pradel, former police officer and former mayor of Naperville:
“George Pradel was the kind of community-focused individual that blesses a town once in a lifetime. His name will forever be remembered in our City, and when people think of him, they will remember an individual who quietly and humbly gave of himself through his 29 years as a police officer and then for two decades as our longest-serving mayor.
“A cheerleader and champion to all, George’s legacy will live on through the city he helped shape. As the founder of Safety Town, we owe generations of our children’s safety to this, his crowning achievement. This wonderful man will not be forgotten.
“On behalf of the City Council, the City of Naperville, and my wife, Julie, and our entire family, we send our deepest condolences to the Pradel family on the loss of George.”…
—City government of Naperville
…Here are comments on the late George Pradel by Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin:
“It is with immense sadness that we join our neighbors in Naperville, and all of the communities in our region, in mourning the loss of Naperville mayor emeritus George Pradel. Without question, his passing leaves a void in leadership and laughter.
“On behalf of the City of Aurora, I offer my deepest condolences to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family members, and to the residents of Naperville.
“For 20 years, George served as mayor of Naperville and did so with the utmost class, deepest compassion, and sincerest spirit of collaboration. He raised the bar time and time again and set a high standard for municipal leadership.
“Throughout my tenure as mayor and alderman in Aurora, mayor Pradel provided advice and guidance. When I was elected to serve as the 59th mayor of Aurora, both he and current Naperville mayor, Steve Chirico, offered their congratulations and full support. I last spoke with mayor Pradel during Naperville’s State of the City address earlier this year. He was his normal upbeat and motivating self with a laugh that could fill the room.
“Synonymous with the city he loved so much, mayor Pradel left us with amazing memories and life lessons to not only make our communities better, but to make ourselves better. I am honored to have had him as a personal friend and professional mentor.
“The City of Aurora will always fondly remember and greatly respect mayor George Pradel.”
—Mayor Richard C. Irvin, City government of Aurora