Name: Visitation for Alfred G. Ronan
Start: 2023-01-27T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-27T17:00:00.000Z
Location: St. John of the Cross Church

Ronan, Alfred G.

Alfred G. Ronan, (75) "Al," of Park Ridge passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023 after a prolonged illness. Al was born in Chicago on December 3, 1947 to Phyllis and James Ronan.

Al was a graduate of Fenwick High School and went onto graduate from University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in political science. During his time at UIC Al was a football player and letter winner and became a generous benefactor of the University. Shortly after graduating UIC Al began a career in politics at a downstate political organizer for Governor Dan Walker. He was later appointed Director of the Division of Mental Health for the State of Illinois and a Deputy Secretary at the Illinois Department of Transportation. At 31, Al was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives representing the northwest side of Chicago. In the Illinois House, Al championed important issues such as a statewide seat belt mandate and increased funding for K-12 education. After14 years in the Illinois General Assembly Al started and ran a successful lobbying and consulting practice. Al was a trusted friend and political advisor to many. He will be remembered for his quick wit and extensive knowledge of political issues at both the State and national level. Al loved his daughters, golf and all things Springfield in that order.

He is survived by his daughters Maren Ronan (Hon. Nicholas Kantas) and Jenna Ronan. He was a beloved grandfather of Violet and Alexander Kantas. He is also survived by his sisters Maryanne Locklin and Roberta Siller. Services will be held at St. John of the Cross church in Western Springs. The visitation will be held at Friday, January 27th starting 10am followed by an 11am mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to UIC Flames Athletic Fund.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Ronan

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

19 Entries

Dan O'Connor

February 25, 2023

Al
You will always be in my heart and thoughts since our first days together. Rest peacefully. We will meet again, my brother.
DAN

Evelyn Hickman

February 6, 2023

I began my work and friendship with AL in the late 1970s. I was shocked to learn of his death. A friend indeed. Evelyn Hickman & Family

David Garcia

January 30, 2023

I sincerely want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of my friend Al Ronan. Al was was an exceptional football player, a great roommate and just a good man. You will be missed buddy.
I am deeply saddened and in mourning.
Dave Garcia

Steve Soberski

January 29, 2023

Sorry to hear this, hard to believe it has been over 50 years since we played football at UICC!

Brian Duffy

January 28, 2023

My thoughts and prayers to the Ronan family, your Dad helped a lot of people over the years with little
fanfare. He was a brilliant political strategist and organizer. Many fond memories of our time in Springfield.

Victoria Brander

January 28, 2023

Al, you consistently made me laugh. Especially when I was trying not to! God bless you

James Biratyn

January 27, 2023

Al we have been friends since the early 1980's and you will be greatly missed. RIP my friend.

Scott Fawell

January 27, 2023

Al and I had some great times together. God knows how many rounds of golf, dinners, sporting events, and golf trips. I have great memories of all. I wish we could do it all over again. He will be missed by me and so many others who's lives he touched. Now Al can be the 4th in a 4-some with other great friends we've lost to early; Gary, Vince and Jeff. Hit em straight Al, and rest in peace my friend.

And to the Ronan family and Cheryl, please accept my deepest condolences. Keep his memories always.

Louis Bertuca

January 26, 2023

Al was simply the best. I will miss his friendship and the "colorful" messages he would leave on my voicemail. My thoughts and love to his girls and Cheryl. See you on the other side my loyal friend...Legend!

Bill Filan

January 26, 2023

Al was a wonderful longtime friend who helped me in my career.He had a kind heart and helped many many people.He was a great political strategist and had a keen sense of the legislative process! Al was a tireless worker but also found time to enjoy himself! He loved his two daughters and talked about them often! Over the years we had many great times working in Springfield, running campaigns, playing golf and just hanging out! I will miss my time with him!

Carol Moseley Braun

January 26, 2023

I will miss him. He was a unique person whom I cared for greatly. I will pray for his family´s solace.

DOn Gotkowski

January 26, 2023

Rest in peace Al, From all of us at UIC football

Leonard Sherman

January 25, 2023

Al was a friend for 50 years. What you saw was what you got. Every day was a new day,nothing was off the table and anything could be pursued. Sorry that I will be out of State for the services. He was a good man and I am glad I knew him.

Lee Preston

January 25, 2023

My deepest condolences to all of Al Ronan´s family and friends. I served with Al in the General Assembly and he was always enormously helpful and supportive. His knowledge of the political process was extraordinary. He was brilliant. Again, my sympathies.

Lee Preston

Clarence Bobikewicz

January 25, 2023

Al helped many. God Bless.