R.I.P. Helio Rico

[Halfmiler2]

A press release from USATF is expected shortly but the sad news is that Helio Rico passed away from cancer this morning.

Many of you may have known Helio from his many long years as meet director at the USATF Indoor Championships when it was in Madison Square Garden, and he was also the longtime Chair of the USATF Rules Committee. And, of course, he was the loving husband of Pat Rico, the former USATF President.

A true gentleman who made many contributions to the sport and he will be missed.

[James Fields]

Halfmiler 2 expressed very nicely reaction to the passing of Heliodoro Rico.

The USATF release does not make it clear that Rico also served as a long-time AAU Rules Committee Chair. His wife Pat was also an AAU leader as were other persons who later continued contributing to development of the sport in TAC and USATF roles.

[Halfmiler2]

There will be a memorial mass for Helio Rico on Saturday, July 8th at 11 AM at Holy Name of Mary Church in Croton, NY (Westchester County on the train line). A reception at the Rico residence will follow. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward F. Carter Funeral Home at (914) 271-4882.

Helio's obituary appeared in the Sunday edition of the Westchester Journal-News.

[tandfman]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/05/sport ... ref=slogin

[Halfmiler2]

A nice memorial for Helio Rico on Saturday in Westchester County. Howard Schmertz, Craig Masback, and a local high school coach were among those who said a few words. Bill Roe, Warren Ring, David Katz, and Walt Murphy were other track & field folks attending. I'd guess about 200 folks attended.

[Walt Murphy]

A nice memorial for Helio Rico on Saturday in Westchester County. Howard Schmertz, Craig Masback, and a local high school coach were among those who said a few words. Bill Roe, Warren Ring, David Katz, and Walt Murphy were other track & field folks attending. I'd guess about 200 folks attended.

It was a very nice memorial. As the priest conducting mass said, "Let's make this a celebration", and it was. It was nice hearing Masback and Schmertz talk about the track-side of Helio's life, but it was even nicer hearing his two nieces speaking warmly about their beloved "Uncle Bud".