SR0776 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0776 LRB096 21979 GRL 40142 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Elmo Ricci of West Frankfort, who passed away on April 13, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci was born on October 6, 1920, in Johnston City; his parents were Domenico and Isolena Hazel Bondi Ricci; he married Jean Marcella Webster in 1952; and

WHEREAS, In January of 1942, Elmo Ricci enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps; he served in World War II as an airplane armorer/gunner in a B-25 plane; during his time with the Army Air Corps, he took part in campaigns in the South Philippines, New Guinea, Luson, and air combat over Borneo; he was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Medal for his service; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci graduated from Johnston City High School in 1939; he earned his master's degree in education from Southern Illinois University in 1953; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci had a long and distinguished career in education; in the fall of 1953, he began his teaching career at Fairfield Community High School (FCHS); during his tenure at FCHS, he taught drafting, mechanical drawing, and orientation; he also served as the cross country, football, and golf coach; he served at FCHS faithfully for 31 years until his retirement in 1984; he also taught at Hurst-Bush for 2 years and at Johnston City for 2 years; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci was a member and a former deacon of the First Christian Church in West Frankfort; he was also a member of the Lions Club and the American Legion for 56 years; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Elmo Ricci is survived by his sons, Terry Ricci and Tim Ricci and his wife, Debbie; and his grandchildren, Chelcee Brown and her husband, Lance, and Lacee Breeden and her husband, Andrew; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Elmo Ricci; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Elmo Ricci as an expression of our sympathy.