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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROPOSED RESOLUTION HONORING PRESIDENT RICHARD PHELAN
WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we, the Cook County Board, acknowledge the passing of Richard "Dick" Phelan, a distinguished figure whose life's work has left an indelible mark on our community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Dick Phelan, a valiant survivor of six bouts of cancer over the past 25 years, departed peacefully at the age of 87, just two days shy of his birthday, with his devoted wife, Barbara, by his side in their cherished home in Chicago's north suburban Lake Forest; and
WHEREAS, born on March 29, 1937, in Chicago, Dick Phelan was the eldest son of Jane and Jack Phelan, a respected lawyer and precinct captain, and proudly hailed from Chicago's North Side, where he received his early education at Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Quigley Seminary Preparatory School; and
WHEREAS, Dick's academic pursuits led him to excel, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and subsequently achieving his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep contemplation and familial legacy, Dick, the grandson of an Irish immigrant, once contemplated a vocation in priesthood before embarking on a distinguished legal career; and
WHEREAS, Dick Phelan's tenure as Cook County Board President in 1992 showcased his unwavering commitment to principles of justice and equality, as he utilized his executive powers to reinstate abortions at Cook County Hospital, thereby advocating for the rights and well-being of all residents, overcoming formidable challenges with steadfast resolve and fortitude; and
WHERAS, Dick Phelan’s time as the President of the Forest Preserves of Cook County was marked by his dedication to reform and modernization, where he helped increase the Forest Preserves’ budget to modernize archaic management practices and oversaw the transformation of the Forest Preserves’ police department, updating equipment and increasing staffing capacity, and;
WHEREAS, throughout his esteemed career, Dick distinguished himself as a formidable trial lawyer, founding Phelan, Pope & John in 1976, a prominent firm renowned for its prowess in corporate law and litigation, and leading successful defense efforts, including the landmark case defending Jewel Food Stores against a significant class action lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, Dick Phelan's dedication to public service and upholding of the highest ethical standards were exemplified by his pivotal role as special outside counsel in leading the U.S. House Ethics Committee probe of U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability in governance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County hereby extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Richard "Dick" Phelan, honoring his legacy of resilience, integrity, and service to our community, and recognizing his enduring contributions to the advancement of justice, ethics, and the common good.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Richard "Dick" Phelan as a token of our enduring respect and gratitude for his exemplary life and service. Introduced and adopted this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty-four.
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