Interior of STA Church

Interior of STA Church
All Class Reunion Day, September 30, 2012. Photo courtesy: Dan Carr (Class of 1960)

Monday, July 27, 2020

In Memoriam - James F. Fitzgerald

James Fitzgerald 1946 - 2017

Image from 1960 St. Thomas Aquinas class photo
James F. Fitzgerald, "Fitz," age 70, of Schaumburg and formerly of Chicago. Loving husband of Judith (nee Millaney). Devoted father of Lynn (Patrick) McElhone and Clare (Peter Bower). Proud grandfather of Jack, Katherine, Maura and Kevin McElhone. Beloved son of the late Gerald and the late Katherine. Fond brother of the late Robert. Cherished cousin of the Murphys and Brennans. Jim went from his first job cutting grass on the Columbus Park golf course on Chicago's West Side to a successful career in commercial insurance. He was a lover of a round of golf at St. Andrews, an afternoon with the horses at Arlington Park, and fun times with family and friends at Sabatino's, the Wellington, and Palm Court. Note to Jack Hurley: Jack, Thanks for all the lunches-Fitz. 

Memorial visitation Thursday, July 20 at Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends gather for funeral mass Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Private interment at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (www.misericordia.com) appreciated.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on July 19, 2017

Sunday, July 26, 2020

In Memoriam - Donald A. Rio

Donald Rio, 1946-2019


Donald Anthony Rio was born on May 17, 1946, in Chicago. His parents were Frank and Dora Rio. In the late 60s, Don began dating Patricia Camasto, and they married in 1970. Not long after, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's degree in psychology.
Mr. Rio had a long and impressive career, caring for people who suffer from mental illness. He also taught classes at several universities, and had a private practice in Lombard, IL, The Midwest Counseling Center. At his practice, Mr. Rio worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, and also a marriage counselor. Later in his career he wrote a psychology book titled, *Fire in the Heart*.
Don was a well respected member of his community and was an inspiration for many people. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Don had a big heart; he was always there if you needed him. Positive thinking and passion for life were his trademarks.