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Longtime Naperville mayor Pradel in hospice care

Longtime Naperville Mayor George Pradel is in hospice care surrounded by family members who on Sunday said he is in too much pain for visitors and their remaining time with him is precious.

"Words cannot express our appreciation for your prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes," his son, also named George, wrote in a letter posted online Sunday and co-authored by siblings Carol and Gary. "Dad told us how much this means to him. If you know George, you know he would like to be available to everyone right now."

According to the letter, the Pradel was admitted to Edward Hospital in Naperville several weeks ago while suffering from severe pain in his back and neck. Doctors found a cancerous tumor that quickly spread through his whole body, the letter states.

Although he cannot take visitors, messages to Pradel can be sent via the website, pradel.com, and family members will read them to him.

"This website serves as a central place to keep you informed and allow you to share your thoughts with George, and our family. We will continue to update this site," the letter reads.

"Thank you, again, for your love and concern. It means everything to George and to our family."

The family's announcement was followed by an outpouring of support over social media and elsewhere.

"Please keep Mayor Pradel and his family in your prayers," state Rep. David Olsen, a Republican from Downers Grove, wrote in a tweet. "The City of Naperville and our entire region have been blessed by his service for so many years."

Pradel, 80, was Naperville's longest-tenured mayor, serving from 1995 to 2015, when he took the role of mayor emeritus. He first gained local fame as the police department's "Officer Friendly."

He was honored countless times during his two decades as mayor. On Washington Street sits a sculpture depicting him as a police officer greeting children. A street and a park are named in his honor. His face is on several murals. Restaurants named rooms and gardens and sandwiches after him. A radio station named him the area's sexiest mayor. There was even a bobblehead sold in his likeness.

• Staff writer Marie Wilson contributed to this story.

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