Former Naperville Mayor Rybicki 'Treasured Individual'

Former Naperville mayor and World War II veteran Chester "Chet" J. Rybicki, who helped propel the city's growth and create one of Naperville's most defining features, the Riverwalk, passed away Wednesday. He was 96.

Rybicki served as Naperville mayor from 1975 until 1983, working hard to construct Naper Boulevard, the Naperville Riverwalk as well as commission a project that would later become Safety Town, Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel said in a statement Wednesday.  

"As a two-term mayor, Chet loved Naperville so much and gave so generously of his time and talents to help move the city forward during a period of growth from 1975-1983," Pradel said in the statement.

Rybicki was born in Chicago in 1916, but called Naperville home since the 1960s. He served overseas in World War II as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps before working as a buyer for Sears Roebuck & Co, Pradel said.

Rybicki is preceded in death by his wife Lillian "Mickey" Rybicki, who Pradel said was always by Chet's side. 

“As they say, behind every good man is a great woman. For Chet, that woman was his lifelong love Lillian, who was known as ‘Mickey.’ Every meeting, luncheon or public event he attended, she was right there with him. Their love for each other was an inspiration," Pradel said in the statement.

Pradel later added that Rybicki was still very much involved in the city and community well after he served as mayor.

"He was so involved in city life until his last days and never hesitated to share his thoughts with me on some of the big issues of the day," he said in the statement. "Even in his final days, he made sure to tell me what he thought needed to happen in our beloved town! I will miss my good friend so very much and will never forget how he helped make Naperville the wonderful City it is today.”

Arrangements are pending at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St. 

All flags at city buildings have been lowered at half-staff in his honor.