George Rico Obituary

I know it´s very late to leave a message of condolence for you Mr. Rico but, here it is. I so enjoyed being a part of the Fiesta Guild dance group. It was such a big part of my growing up years. I considered Jan as my best friend from the age of 12/13 years old. I had so much fun learning Mexican folk dances from Elena. Performing at the museum of Science and Industry at Christmas time, and other places, singing the Messiah, and the Seven Last Words. I have so many memories that I have shared with my children and older grandchildren. I kept in touch with Jan for a long time and then I don´t know when it stopped. But is any of the Rico´s shan´t to get in touch with this 73 year old woman I´m in the phone book under James Moore. Mr Rico is playing the organ in heaven.

Thanks to Mr George Rico who inspired us and our children for many years, and who helped us get our music & dance studio started in 05/2001. Rico Music & Dance Studio was named as a tribute to Mr. George Rico in appreciation for his dedication of over 50 years of teaching music in the Chicago Public Schools, churches and community centers throughout the Chicagoland area. He will always be remembered.

Thank you Mr. Rico for being a perfect teacher and inspiration! I've been a professional musician traveling around the world for my entire life now. Meeting you in 1969 had a tremendous effect on my musical direction. It was you that insisted that I play organ continuo with your Mid-City Choral Society. I was only 14 at the time, and probably not fully up to the challenge. But you persisted and I had a rare experience for someone that age. And from that point, my musical abilities grew. But, you were the one that planted many seeds, and I thank you for all you did! RIP

Mr. Rico, You will forever be miss. I think of you whenever I sing. Thank you for teaching me how to sing and discovering my voice. You were a wonderful teacher to me and a great listener. You brought me happiness through music. I can never thank you enough for making my 4 years at Lane so happy.

Lane Tech class of 2000

Thank you Mr. Rico for so many wonderful memories that truly could go on for pages. I miss the warm-ups in French, outings to the Lyric, and singing at various church services. While the typical hs student waits for the bell to ring and flee to the door, I anxiously awaited that ring to run up the B Stairs and sing. Beyond a teacher, you were a mentor and a 3rd grandfather for me -loving, wise, caring, and honest (very very honest).

Lane Tech grad. 2003

George Rico. A champion of integrity and dedication to those who had the honor of being his student and/or his friend. I'll always remember how blazingly talented he was and how he could mesmerize the audience with displays of musical pyrotechnics when diving into a Bach Toccata and Fugue on the organ. George also was master of organization and would organize community choirs and orchestras despite a full time teaching position. He was able to fan the flame of talent in anyone and it was not uncommon to see in his community groups full-fledged opera singers performing next to complete novices. I am a better person for having known George Rico, my professor, and I thank him for all he did for me.

Lane Tech Class of 1969

If it hadn't been for you George, my bro. I would not have had a career as a singer. Many thanks. Your baby sister Elena

I was blessed by being led and taught by George Rico and the Rico family in my involvement with the folkloric group, The Chicago Fiesra Guild.

Beloved and forever etched in my heart. Mr. Rico you helped ignite the fire and passion I have for music. I will always sing with purpose and with feeling. Thank you for teaching me and the contributions you have given this world. You are the best gift I and several other Lane Tech students could have ever had. Rest Peacefully until we sing together again.- Maya Moseberry c/o '98

RIP Mr. Rico.

Take your rest Mr. Rico. Lanite forever. God Bless.

Heaven has welcomed a director to its angel choir.
RIP, Mr. Rico.

I have so many fond memories of Mr. Rico at Lane Tech - theory class where he put crazy lyrics to symphony themes, playing for his church picnic, musicals, & more. May he rest in peace. Class of 1981.

I got to meet George thru daughter kris. He was always a kind gentle man, with a dry sence of humor. He touched so many and will be greatly missed.
-Dale Anne Ortiz (Fresno Ca)

I'll never forget Mr. Rico,
Friends I met in your class 37 years ago I'm still in contact with. We will always have you in common! Thanks for letting us sing!

How do you say good bye to a man who taught you so much?
I wish my life would have afforded me more opportunities to keep in touch.
Mr. Rico, I hope you know how much I appreciated everything you taught me and did for me while I was a student of yours.
God Bless you and your family!
Jennifer Lesneak Mahoney Lane Tech class of 1981