Ex-Illinois Gov. Ryan's older brother dies

KANKAKEE — Imprisoned former Gov. George Ryan's older brother has died.

The Daily Journal of Kankakee reports 83-year-old Thomas J. Ryan died Saturday at Kankakee hospital. Ryan was a 20-year mayor of Kankakee, a city about 60 miles south of Chicago. He lost his seat in 1985.

It's the second family loss for George Ryan, whose wife died earlier this year after a battle with cancer. The former governor is serving time in federal prison on corruption charges.

Kankakee 7th Ward Alderman Steven Hunter called Thomas Ryan "Mr. Republican."

Nephew George Homer Ryan says his uncle was a hard worker who always made time for his family and the Chicago Cubs. He was a Navy veteran and a partner in the family's pharmacy business.