Kankakee, IL – Former Illinois Governor George H. Ryan, known for his long political career and controversial actions, has passed away at the age of 91. Ryan, who died Friday at his home in Kankakee, served as the 39th governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003.
Before becoming governor, Ryan held key positions in state government, including Secretary of State from 1991 to 1999 and Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1991. His tenure as governor was marked by bold decisions, most notably a moratorium on the death penalty in 2000, which he followed by commuting the sentences of 167 death row inmates. The move garnered national attention and sparked both praise and criticism, particularly from within his own party.
Ryan’s career, however, was marred by a corruption conviction in 2006. He was found guilty of racketeering and fraud linked to his time in office and served over five years in federal prison before his release in 2013.
Born in 1934, in Kankakee, Ryan maintained a strong connection to his hometown throughout his life. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, especially in the Kankakee County area, where he began his career as a county board member.
The cause of Ryan’s death has yet to be determined.
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