In Memoriam: Wilson Frost, Class of 1958

The Chicago-Kent community is saddened by the recent death of alumnus and former Chicago Alderman Wilson Frost ’58, a leading Chicago politician for more than 30 years, but there is much to commemorate.

In a career defined by an extraordinary commitment to public service, Alderman Frost was president pro tempore of the Chicago City Council, chairman of the council’s powerful finance committee, and a commissioner of the Cook County Board of Tax Appeals.

“Wilson Frost was a distinguished public servant, an outstanding lawyer, and a source of immense pride to all of us at Chicago-Kent who admired his trailblazing career,” said Chicago-Kent Dean Harold J. Krent.

Born in Cairo, Illinois, on December 27, 1925, Alderman Frost grew up in Chicago, attending Wilson Junior College and Fisk University before earning his law degree at Chicago-Kent in 1958. He practiced law in Chicago for more than 45 years, first at the firm of Frost, Sherard, Howse and Coleman, and later at the firm of Meyer & Frost, which eventually became Frost & Greenblatt.

Elected to the Chicago City Council in 1967, he represented the 21st Ward and later the 34th Ward. For many years he was the council’s leading African-American alderman, telling the Chicago Tribune in 1973 that he hoped his work at the City Council would encourage other African-Americans to become involved in politics.

After leaving the City Council in 1987, Alderman Frost served on the Cook County Board of Tax Appeals until his retirement in 1998. During his career, he volunteered for a number of Chicago organizations, including Mercy Hospital Medical Center and the City Club of Chicago, where he served as vice president.

The Chicago-Kent community extends its condolences to Alderman Frost’s family and to his many friends.