Gerald Ratner

Gerald Ratner (December 17, 1913 – June 20, 2014) was a lawyer in Chicago and benefactor to the University of Chicago, his alma mater.

Early life and education Ratner was born on December 17, 1913. He grew up in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago. His mother, an immigrant from what is now known as Belarus, owned and operated a small grocery store. She raised three kids on her own after Ratner's father left the family when Gerald Ratner was five years old. Because he was a tough kid, people used to call him "Red."

Ratner was the valedictorian of Marshall High School, and earned a scholarship, which covered his first year's tuition at the University of Chicago.

Career Ratner served in World War II, entering in November 1942. He was a United States Army policeman stationed in Casablanca. His duty was to process German and Italian prisoners of war. He left the service as Captain in April 1946.