John ‘Chickie’ Fosco dies at age 76 

John “Chickie” Fosco, a life-long resident of the Near West Side community, died suddenly on Oct. 21.  He was 76 years old.

            Mr. Fosco was the husband of Madeline “Midge” ; father of Peter (Christine), Mary Jo (Jim) Gurgone, and Anna Marie (John) Scarsella; grandfather of Carla, Jimmie, Johnnie. Michael, Gianna, Cristina and Jo Marie; and loving papa to family pets Alfrado, Dolly, and Cecca.

            Mr. Fosco was a retired truck driver and member of IBT, Local 705.  “Retirement allowed our dad to enjoy his time with his wife and family, and those memories we will always cherish,” said daughter, Mary Jo Gurgone.  “His daily routine included his afternoons at the ‘Blue Boys’ social club.  It broke our hearts to part with him but we are left with beautiful memories and the unconditional love he gave our family.”

            “He found good in everyone and touched so many lives,” added son, Peter. “We will miss his stories, his loyalty, and his appreciation of life.  He was the best and will never be forgotten.”

            A scholarship fund for the two outstanding young men’s and women’s athletes has been established in honor of Mr. Fosco at Carl Schurz High School, where Peter Fosco serves as athletic director.  To make a gift to the John “Chickie” Fosco Scholarship Fund, send your donations made payable to Carl Schurz High School, attn: Mr. Peter Fosco, Athletic Director, 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641, or call (773) 534-3446.

            Services were held at Salerno’s Galewood Chapel.  A Funeral Mass was said at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. Interment is at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside.
 

Victor G. Santiago dies at age 80 

Victor G. Santiago, a long-time resident of the Near West Side community, died on Oct. 26. He was 80 years old.

            Mr. Santiago was the husband of Esther (nee Ramos); father of Mercedes (Ernest) Santiago-Puig, Hector, Juan Antonio and Elva Santiago and the late Victor M. and Raul Santiago; loving grandfather of Christina (Mike) Munoz and Ernest Puig; great-grandfather of Ismael Munoz; and brother-in-law of Ismael Ramos, Angel Ramos, Elpidio Ramos, Rosin Roman, Pilar Cruz, Lydia Acevedo and the late Getulio Ramos.

            Mr. Santiago was well known as a guitarist since the age of seven.  He was born in Puerto Rico and first came to the United States as a contracted laborer in 1949. He also played his guitar in clubs in New York City.  Mr. Santiago then returned to Puerto Rico and brought his family to Chicago in 1952. 

            In the late 1950s, Mr. Santiago performed as a guitarist on the television program “International Café,” on WBKB-TV in Chicago (the precursor to ABC-TV). The program featured artists from all across the globe.  In later years, Mr. Santiago performed in local clubs throughout Chicago including places like the Como Inn.

            “The two passions in my father’s life were his family and his music,” explained son, Hector.  “He loved his family and also cared a great deal for the people in his community.

            Services were held at Salerno’s Galewood Chapels. A Funeral Mass was said at Notre Dame de Chicago Church.  Entombment is at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Hillside.