Former Naperville Mayor George Pradel Dies At 80

NAPERVILLE, IL — There's an empty spot in Naperville's heart today. George Pradel, the city's longest-serving mayor, died Tuesday at age 80, just one day before his 81st birthday. Known for his round cheeks and childlike smile, Pradel, who served as Naperville's mayor for 20 years, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor a few weeks ago that quickly spread throughout his body.

Pradel was so beloved that his family kept the community updated with posts after he entered hospice care Sunday. Early Tuesday, they wrote:

Related: Longtime Naperville Mayor George Pradel In Hospice Care

"At approximately 9:30 a.m., our dad passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his three children, just as he wanted. Arrangements are pending; they will be posted here.Thank you, again, for your love and support! We love you all."

Pradel was an integral part of Naperville both before and after the whopping five terms he served as mayor. He earned the nickname "Officer Friendly" for his work with children. Pradel was integral in the development of Naperville's kid-friendly "Safety Town," which was later named after Pradel and his late wife.

In a statement about Pradel's death, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said, "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."

City Manager Doug Krieger said, "Everyone was equal in George’s eyes – you were a cherished member of his extended Naperville family, and from the first time he met you, you were a friend."

And the dedications just keep rolling in.

Edward-Elmhurst Hospital CEO Mary Lou Mastro wrote, "We will always remember [Mayor Pradel's] unabashed enthusiasm for the City of Naperville and incredible support for Edward Hospital and Edward-Elmhurst Health. His presence alone was enough to boost spirits. Add that booming voice and infectious energy, and we couldn’t help but tackle the rest of our day with a little more bounce in our step and smile on our face."

Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall issued a statement about Pradel's long-standing service to Naperville, which began in 1966 when he was hired on as a police officer. Marshall wrote, "Pradel's service to this community left an indelible mark on our department that will no doubt continue to serve as inspiration to all those who knew him."

Pradel's mark on Naperville will no doubt be a lasting one. As the city remembers him on a sunlit Sept. 4, a statue proudly stands in his honor in the city, wearing his unmistakable cherub-like smile.

Pradel is survived by his three children, Gary, George, and Carol.

What's your favorite memory of Mayor Pradel? Let us know in the comments.

Lead Photo: George Pradel is sworn in for his fifth term in 2011. Patch file photo, by Ben Gross

Photo courtesy of Edward-Elmhurst Health