Bernard Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Stone
|
|
|---|---|
Alderman Stone in 2010
|
|
| 5th Vice Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office 1998–2011 |
|
| Mayor | Richard M. Daley |
| Preceded by | Terry Gabinski |
| Succeeded by | Ray Suarez |
| Chicago Alderman | |
| In office 1973–2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Jack I. Sperling |
| Succeeded by | Debra Silverstein |
| Constituency | 50th Ward |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 24, 1927 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 22, 2014 (aged 87) Skokie, Illinois, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Complications from a fall |
| Political party | Democratic (1956-1987; 1990-2014) Republican<(1987-1990) |
| Spouses |
Lois Stone
(m. 1949–1995)(her death) |
| Alma mater | Wilbur Wright College (B.A.) John Marshall Law School (J.D.) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Bernard "Berny" L. Stone (November 24, 1927 – December 22, 2014) was an important leader in Chicago, Illinois. He served as an alderman for the 50th Ward from 1973 to 2011. An alderman is a local elected official who represents a specific part of a city, like a neighborhood. The 50th Ward is on Chicago's far North Side. It includes areas like West Ridge and West Rogers Park.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Berny Stone was born in Chicago on November 24, 1927. His parents were immigrants. He went to public schools in Chicago. He attended Von Humboldt Elementary and Tuley High School. Tuley High School is now called Roberto Clemente Community Academy.
In 1945, Stone joined the United States Army. After his military service, he continued his education. He studied at Wright Junior College, which is now Wilbur Wright College. Later, he went to John Marshall Law School.
Political Career in Chicago
Berny Stone was first elected as an alderman in 1973. He served for a very long time, making him one of the longest-serving aldermen in Chicago's history. He worked under seven different mayors, from Richard J. Daley to Richard M. Daley.
From 1998 to 2011, Stone also held the title of Vice Mayor of Chicago. The Vice Mayor helps the mayor and leads city council meetings when the mayor is not there.
For most of his life, Stone was a member of the Democratic Party. However, for a short time, he joined the Republican Party. He was known for being very direct and enjoying the lively world of politics.
City Council Committees
As an alderman, Berny Stone was involved in many important city groups. He was the leader, or Chairman, of the City Council Committee on Buildings. This committee likely dealt with rules and plans for buildings in Chicago.
He also served on several other committees. These included the Budget and Government Operations, Finance, and Historical Landmark Preservation committees. He was also part of the Housing and Landmark Preservation, Traffic Control and Safety, and the Committee on Committees. These groups helped make decisions about how the city was run.
Political Beliefs
Berny Stone had a simple way of explaining his political approach. He believed in taking care of the people who supported him. He said, "You take care of the people who take care of you – you know, the people who voted for you." He called this "Politics 101," meaning it's a basic rule of how politics works.
Lasting Impact
In 2017, a special place was named after Berny Stone. It's a 1.8-acre green space called Berny Stone Park. This park is located along the North Shore Channel in the 50th Ward. It's a nice way to remember his many years of service to the community.
Personal Life
Berny Stone married his wife, Lois, in 1949. They were married until Lois passed away in 1995. Together, they had three daughters and one son.
Stone was an active member of his religious community. He worshipped at Congregation Ezras Israel and served on their Board of Directors. He also helped lead other Jewish community organizations. These included the Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center and the Jewish National Fund.
His son, Jay, also became involved in politics. In 2003, Jay ran for alderman in a different ward. Berny Stone and his son remained on good terms.
Berny Stone passed away on December 22, 2014, at the age of 87. He died from problems after a fall. People remembered him as a strong voice for his community. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Stone was "fiercely loyal to his constituents." The City Council also honored him as a "vigorous advocate for the people of the 50th Ward."
