UPDATE, Sept. 2, 2018 / After an extended hospital stay, Mayor George Pradel, age 80, is now in hospice care.
The Pradel children, George, Carol and Gary, have created a website where individuals will find updates about his condition and can share thoughts.
“Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 (www.pradel.com)
As you may know, our dad, A. George Pradel (known to most as “George,” “Officer Friendly,” or even “Mayor Pradel”) is currently in hospice care. Several weeks ago, he was admitted to Edward Hospital, suffering from severe pain in his back and neck. Doctors found a cancerous tumor. The cancer quickly spread to his whole body.”
Known for his community spirit, many kindnesses and celebrating the birthday he shared on Sept. 5 with many local residents of all ages, Pradel served for mayor from 1995 to 2015, longer than any other Naperville mayor.
For updates and/or to share your thoughts for Mayor Pradel, click here.
Original Post, June 3, 2016 / Hossein Jamali, owner of Meson Sabika, invited former Mayor George Pradel to lunch on May 23. Last fall Jamali had an idea that he wanted to run by Pradel, 78, who has been a big supporter of the tapas restaurant, now celebrating its 25th anniversary year.
Whether volunteering to help serve Thanksgiving Day dinners, hosting volunteer recognition luncheons for folks who had served the city or attending countless events in the Pavilion, Jamali appreciated Pradel’s support.
Jamali explained that landscapers had just redesigned a flower garden with a terrace on the grounds, a special place for wedding ceremonies. Jamali hoped to name it in honor of Pradel’s dedicated service to the entire community.
“As I was doing this garden, I decided to call it the Pradel Garden,” Jamali said. “I wanted to get your permission and I will have a plaque made.”
Pradel expressed deep gratitude and went on to say he’d been diagnosed on May 13 with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system, the bones and blood.
In fact, right after lunch that day his daughter, Carol Pradel, was taking him to the doctor in Lisle where his treatment—chemotherapy twice weekly, along with other medication daily—would be explained since it likely will zap his energy.
“It’s great how your body tells you to stop,” he said, again thanking Jamali, adding that he has every intention of slowing down to fight the cancer.
“It’s just that I love doing a lot of the things I always did as mayor,” he said, expressing his thoughts that his relationship with Mayor Steve Chirico is a “one-of-a-kind example of getting along with the new mayor.”
“Thank you, Hossein,” he said, as he visited the garden. “I’ve been through this with Pat, Carol and my sister-in-law. I’m optimistic. And I feel loved in this town.”
Jamali concurred. “You’re still in a lot of people’s hearts.”
RELATED PN POSTS with Photos / www.positivelynaperville.com/?s=MAYOR+GEORGE+PRADEL
