Mayor Emeritus, A. George Pradel, passed away on the morning of Sept. 4 this year. He was 80 years old and  in the hospital with his family when he died after fighting a cancerous tumor.

Pradel served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a Naperville police officer. He spent 29 years with the police department, earning the nickname “Officer Friendly,” for his work with schools and children. He is remembered for his work at Safety Town — a center for teaching children emergency preparedness. After his career with the police department, he ran for mayor. Spending 20 years straight in office, he became Naperville’s longest serving mayor. He was known for being compassionate to all and passionate about the community. In 2015, he decided not to run for re-election, instead giving his time to his beloved wife, Pam, and their family, as she struggled with bone cancer. Pradel was granted the title “Mayor Emeritus,” by his successor, Steve Chirico, which granted him the right to continue being called “Mayor” and attend public functions as mayor despite being retired. He remained a well-known public figure in his retirement.

The city council meeting on Sept. 4 opened with the current mayor and councilmembers sharing their final goodbyes to and reflections on Mayor Emeritus Pradel. They spoke of how he deeply impacted the people around him, leading by example and helping them to become better versions of themselves.

Mayor Emeritus A. George Pradel is survived by his three children, Carol, Gary and George, and is fondly remembered by the residents of Naperville and communities beyond. To send condolences to the family or share your memories, visit pradel.com.