Bernie Stone, longtime Chicago alderman, dies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Longtime Chicago alderman Bernard Stone has died at age 87, two days after a fall.

Stone ran for an 11th term in office in the 50th Ward and lost in 2011. He lived in West Rogers Park.

"I am in fairly good health for a man of my age even though I do have some minor physical limitations," Stone wrote in September of 2010. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with my mental capacities or abilities."

Stone also served as Chicago's vice mayor 11 years and also served as the chairman of the building committee. A World War II veteran, Stone was the oldest member of City Council when he lost his seat. After 59 years in politics, nearly 38 of them as a Chicago City Council member, Alderman Stone, then 83, retired after Debra Silverstein, endorsed by Rahm Emanuel, was elected 50th Ward alderman.

Stone died early Monday morning from complications from pneumonia and kidney failure after a fall Saturday, one of his daughters said.

"He was the most honest, most wonderful, caring loving giving man. He lived for his community," daughter Ilana Feketitsch said. "He was loved by so many people, the outpouring has been wonderful. He gave everything to people. They should just give back to him the way he did to everybody."

Stone died about 1:30 a.m. at Skokie North Shore Hospital, said Feketitsch.

Former mayor Richard M. Daley Stone released a statement on Stone's death, saying, "Bernie Stone was a wonderful alderman, a hands-on professional who cared deeply about the people of his ward and worked hard to ensure it was an ever-improving community. On behalf of the entire Daley family my thoughts and prayers go out to all of his loved ones."

Obituary

Longtime Alderman of the 50th Ward. Proud WWII Veteran. Devoted husband of the late Lois Stone. Loving father of Jay (Paula) Stone, Ilana (Steven) Feketitsch, Lori (John) Schlossberg and the late Holly Ellen Stone and Robin Stone. Proud Grandfather of Holly Rose, Felecia, Tanya, Max, Daniel, Jake and Jessica. Dear brother of Delores Barth. Loyal, Cherished and Honest friend to many. Service Tuesday, 12Noon at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Rd.), Skokie. Interment Waldheim. Memorials in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Funeral Arrangements

Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 12p.m.

Location

Chicago Jewish Funerals

Skokie Chapel

8851 Skokie Boulevard

Skokie, Illinois 60077

Clergy

Rabbi Burton Wax

Interment

Waldheim Jewish Cemetery

1400 South Des Plaines Avenue

Forest Park, Illinois 60130

Memorial Contributions

Charity of your choice

FAMOUS DEATHS OF 2014

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.