Alfred G. Ronan
Alfred G. “Al” Ronan, (75), 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 on Friday, January 27th, 2023. The visitation will be held at 10am followed by an 11am mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the UIC Flames Athletic Fund.
Great memories of Al, from football, parties, Mardi Gras and UIC. Rest in peace, Al. Don Gotkowski
Al, I will miss you. As your brother in-law I have so many memories from working on your first campaign for a office to when blessed my marriage to your sister. Great golfer who counted all his strokes and a great dad.
Rest in peace.
Al was a wonderful longtime friend who helped me in my career! He had a kind heart who helped so many people in his lifetime who were in need ! 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 had many wonderful times together working in Springfield, running campaign and playing golf. I will miss him!
Al, is and always will be a huge presence in our family. He was someone looked up to and relied on for advice. We will miss him greatly and will reflect on the fond memories he’s left us with. Our hearts go out to his family. Our family is grateful for the time we had together.
Rich, Magda, Tyler & Liam Locklin
We love you Al ! A Legend and a great man. Thank you for all the laughs!
There was no one like Al Ronan…Absolutely no one. It was a privilege to be his friend. Many years ago I had my first lobbyist job by representing the Illinois Nurses Association. We had little PAC money, and frequently came up against much more powerful adversaries. Al was our strongest advocate in the General Assembly and led the way for progressive health care policies advocate by the nurses. And, by the way, he was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. My deepest sympathies to his family and many friends. It will be a very long time before someone like him comes along again.