Village of La Grange Park Bids Farewell to Rick Radde

There was plenty of well-deserved praise for longtime public works employee Rick Radde on Tuesday night at the board's regular meeting on Aug. 28.

Before the meeting, the village wished Radde a fond farewell with a cake and coffee reception in the boardroom. Though bittersweet, plenty of smiles were seen as staff members recounted their stories of Radde's tenure with the village.

Radde leaves the village after 18 years in the . Radde recently accepted a new position as utilities supervisor at the village of Bensenville.

Radde first came to work for La Grange Park as a part-time, seasonal employee. Radde joked on Tuesday evening that he'd seen and worked in just about every area of the public works department. In 1998, Radde was promoted to water operator. Most recently, he served as the interim public works director after former public works director at the village of Glen Ellyn.

“[Radde] is described by colleagues and residents as someone who thinks outside the box,” Village Manager Julia Cedillo said. "We will miss him."

Village President Jim Discipio wished Radde a fond farewell and said Radde was a man who was dedicated to serving the village and its residents well. He told trustees and staff members that he had received several letters from La Grange Park residents who wished Radde well in his new position and were sad to see him go.

"Rick, may your roads be filled with asphalt,” Discipio joked.

Radde, for his part, only made a short speech thanking trustees and staff for their kind words. But, as a resident of La Grange Park, he said he would still be seen around town.

“I like to be out there face to face with the residents." Radde said. "I’m surely going to miss that.”