North Cook News

The Village Board for the Village of Morton Grove held a meeting where they honored Trustee Bill Grear for his little over a decade’s worth of service after he announced his retirement at 64 years old.

“Thank you for the kind words and support for being here and for the proclamation and all the great gifts, and my fellow board members and past board members,” Grear said to the board during the Sept. 26 meeting. “A couple of them are in here right now for putting up with me because I know I'm not the easiest guy. You guys gave me a lot of accolades, but I know I'm not the easiest, but I thank you for all those kind words and being part of all of you, past and present.”

The Chicago Tribune reported Grear announced his retirement on Sept. 19.

Grear was elected to the board in 2009 after being born and raised in Morton Grove with his nine other siblings. He spent 40 years working for the U.S. Postal Service. He and his wife raised their three kids in Morton Grove, volunteering with countless parents activities and sports clubs over the years. Grear also served on countless commissions and boards throughout his 13 years of service to the village.

“My heart is broken I’m leaving, but I believe I am doing the right thing,” Grear said to the Chicago Tribune.

The mayor declared Sept. 26, 2022, “Bill Grear Day” in the village of Morton Grove in honor of his service and the end of his time on the village board. Each of the board members thanked Grear for his service, recounting memories of his dedication and kindness in every situation.

Morton Grove Mayor Daniel DiMaria is looking to fill Grear’s vacancy, mentioning the appointed trustee will serve until May 2023. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 1 and a decision will come about two weeks after that.

Several members, along with the mayor, the police chief and the fire chief, all gave Grear gifts from the city to remember them all in his retirement.