"Have a great future, go out fishing which you really love, and enjoy your family," said Ald. Ray Suarez, 31st Ward.
Fellow aldermen praised and poked fun at Mell, who retired this summer after 38 years representing the 33rd Ward.
Alderman Ed Burke presented Mell with the infamous photo of him jumping on his desk in 1987 while his colleagues chose a successor to Mayor Harold Washington.
An emotional Mell said he regrets missing time with his family.
Mell has been replaced on the council by his daughter, former state representative Deb Mell.
