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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE BERNARD "BERNY" STONE
WHEREAS, Bernard "Berny" Stone was a man who loved the excitement and unpredictablitity of politics. Berny Stone is at rest but has left behind family, friends, and a community enriched for having known him; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone diligently served his constituents as Alderman of the 50th Ward in Chicago. His accessibility to his West Rogers Park constituents was legendary and was one of his proudest achievements. He was steadfast in pursuing his principals and unafraid to do so even when it meant risking popularity; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone was born on November 24, 1927. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools, at Von Humboldt Elementary and Tuley High School, which is now Roberto Clemente Community Academy. He earned an undergraduate degree from Wright Junior College, now known as Wilbur Wright College, where he was president of his freshman class and a letterman on the school football team; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone served his country in the United States Army in 1945 for two years before being honorably discharged with the victory and good conduct citations. He later obtained his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1973 and was one of the longest-serving alderman in the history of that body. He also served as Vice Mayor of the City of Chicago from 1998 to 2011; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone was chair of the Buildings Committee and was respected for his grasp of real estate and the law. His legislation mandating minimum overnight temperatures in apartments had a substantial impact on countless apartment dwellers; and
WHEREAS, Berny Stone is survived by his daughters, Ilana Feketitschs and Lori Schlossberg and son Jay Stone. He is also survived by his sister Delores Barth and seven grandchildren. Stone's wife Lois, preceded him in death in 1995 as did the couple's daughters Holly and Robin Stone; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the life of Bernard Stone, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the contributions he has made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of Bernard Stone.end