Naperville mourning man behind Riverwalk Troll
The man who long portrayed Naperville's Riverwalk Troll has lost his battle with cancer.
Frank Sweeney, 79, died Monday, about a year after he decided to hang up his elf hat to do “adult things” with his family.
For nine years Sweeney frequently patrolled the banks and bridges of Naperville's Riverwalk in his role as the Riverwalk Troll.
He was the third of three Riverwalk mascots who began spending time under and around the Moser Bridge in the spring of 2002 when the Chicago Fire announced it would temporarily play its home soccer games at North Central College.
When he wasn't trolling around, Sweeney volunteered his time serving as the Riverwalk Foundation treasurer and as a member of the Moser Enterprises, Inc. board of directors.
John Zediker, CEO of Moser Enterprises, worked with Sweeney at Moser for several years before he became a director.
“Frank was a great guy who was always there to lend a hand. He mentored me and taught me all I knew,” Zediker said. “When I became CEO he was right there with me. And in the community, he was always ready to volunteer.”
Former Naperville mayor Peg Price cowrote an ethics course with Sweeney at North Central College several years ago. If there was ever anyone to teach ethics, she said, Sweeney was it.
“He was one great man,” Price said. “I hate to say it so simple, but that's what he was.”
Family members could not be reached for comment. Funeral arrangements are pending.