Paul Green, one of Chicago's beloved political commentators, died unexpectedly late Saturday at the age of 73, according to his wife Sharon. A political science professor at Roosevelt University, Green suffered what appears to be a brain aneurysm, his wife said.
Known for his quick wit, Green was a go-to political analyst for broadcast and print reporters. He'd entertain and embark knowledge, whether it was a local political issue or insight on a national campaign.
Green was a professor at Governor’s State University before joining Roosevelt University in 1999. He was an accomplished author, having written several books detailing Chicago’s political machine.
Green was also the chairman at the City Club of Chicago, a non-partisan group that hosts newsmakers, debates, and forums – one of which he hosted as recently as Wednesday, according to a statement from City Club President Jay Doherty.
“As a professor, Paul taught thousands,” Doherty said in the statement. “As a researcher, he will touch generations to come. As a commentator on radio and TV, he helped us understand political currents in the moment, with unerring accuracy."
"As the obligatory first stop for out-of-town journalists, he helped untold millions understand this city he loved. As an ambassador for Chicago on his many overseas speaking tours, he kindled interest in our region and connections that strengthened Chicago’s place in the world," Doherty added.
“Paul Green was a Chicago political legend and countless people across the city know him as a gifted writer, teacher, historian, and analyst,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “I have known Paul personally for many years, and was always impressed by his capacious intellect, his boundless curiosity, and his quick wit.”
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Tributes to Green continued to pour in on social media after news of his passing broke.
“Horrible, horrible news,” David Axelrod tweeted. “Paul Green was a Chicago original, and a civic institution. He will be sorely missed."
"Generous, wise, amused and amusing, Paul Green made all of us in the media look more in the know than we really are,” added Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg.
Political analyst Thom Serafin noted, "I loved Paul- full of history, knowledge and ready sense of humor, a terrible loss for his family, all of us."
Green is survived by his wife Sharon and their daughter Sarah.
