[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E271-E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MR. EARL NEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to honor and pay tribute to 
Mr. Earl Neal, a lawyer from my hometown whose untimely death on 
February 13, 2005, has left a void in the halls and the streets of 
Chicago.
  My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Isobel Hoskins Neal, his son 
Langdon Neal and the rest of his extended family. Although his presence 
will be sorely missed, the contributions he left behind are considered 
hallmark treasures of Chicago.
  The Dan Ryan Expressway, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the 
United Center, U.S. Cellular field and the Midway Expansion Centers 
were all made possible as a result of Neal's strategic counsel and vast 
knowledge. His contributions serve as main thoroughfares to Chicago and 
home to the city's sports teams. Working diligently to ensure that all 
parties walked away winners, there was no greater team player than Earl 
Neal.

[[Page E272]]

  Neal served as a trusted aide and confidante to six mayors of Chicago 
over the past 50 years, which included Richard J. Daley, Bilandic, 
Byrne, Washington, Sawyer and Richard M. Daley. Earl was responsible 
for using his law background to find common ground with the community 
and the city.
  Born in Chicago in 1929, Mr. Neal's future was guided by his 
educational path, which included Englewood High School, the University 
of Illinois and the University of Michigan Law School.
  In 1975, Neal was appointed the first African American president of 
the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. A man who approached 
obstacles as opportunities, Neal attended the U. of I during a time in 
the 40s when African Americans were not allowed to live in the dorms or 
eat in the campus food halls. Throughout his life, Neal consistently 
rose from the bottom to the top, leaving an indelible impression along 
the way.
  In 1983, Earl Neal was appointed chairman of the board of the First 
Federal Savings and Loan. He served on several business and civic 
boards and his legal career included more than 200 jury trials.
  Many people leave legacies that you just hear about. Earl Neal has 
left a legacy that's tangible and will be experienced for many years to 
come.

                          ____________________