Tom Weisner died of cancer on Friday. He was the 57th mayor of Aurora.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin issued a statement on the city's website.
"It is with great sadness that we announce and mourn the passing of the 57th mayor of Aurora, Thomas J. Weisner. After a courageous battle with cancer, Mayor Weisner departed this life today with his faithful wife of 46 years, Marilyn, and his family by his side.
Without question, Tom Weisner will forever be synonymous with Aurora, Illinois. Leading with passion, persistence and professionalism, he served as mayor from his first term in 2005 until his retirement near the end of his third term in 2016. Prior to his years as mayor, he worked tirelessly for nearly two decades in a number of executive positions in City Hall. Leading Aurora during integrally transformative years, Tom Weisner left an undeniable mark while striving to fortify and strengthen Aurora’s people, purpose and potential.
Born and raised in Batavia, he began a perpetual love with Aurora during his time as a student at Marmion Academy, later adopting Aurora as his permanent home. From his years serving the people of the Solomon Islands in the Peace Corps, to his years serving the residents of the City of Aurora, Mayor Weisner led the life of a selfless servant of the people.
Not only did he make Aurora better, but he also made everyone he came into contact with better. I had the distinct privilege of debating Tom during our contests for public office and sitting beside him on the Aurora City Council for a decade as one of his aldermen. Whether it was during our campaigns for mayor or working in tandem for the good of the citizens of Aurora, I learned so much from Tom Weisner personally and professionally. He was a true public servant who will forever live in the hearts and minds of the people. I know I can speak on behalf of all Aurorans, as well as those who worked with him throughout the region, when I say Mayor Weisner will truly be missed.
On behalf of the City of Aurora, I offer our sincerest condolences to Marilyn, their son Tony and the entire family. Marilyn, we will continue to stand with you and your family as Tom stood for us and with us for so many years.
It has been an honor of a lifetime to have known and worked with the Honorable Mayor Thomas J. Weisner."
Meanwhile, Congressman Bill Foster issued a statement on the passing.
“I am deeply saddened to learn that Mayor Tom Weisner passed away. Mayor Weisner led the city through a period of great change and growth, leaving it a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. We are forever indebted to him for his years of public service and leadership as mayor of Aurora. I am grateful to have been able to call him a friend, and I am even more grateful for the counsel he offered me for more than a decade. Tom never forgot the real reason we enter into public service - to improve the lives of the people we represent. Aurora is a better place because of Tom's work, and his legacy will continue to live on in the community he worked to make a better place for the people who call it home. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”