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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF JO ANN SERPICO, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Jo Ann Serpico was a pillar of the Italian-American community in the Chicago area since the 1960s, died April 23, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Jo Ann Serpico’s work in the community was in honor of her father, Joseph R. who was an early organizer of the Chicago area’s Italian-American community’s many societies and clubs and founded Rosario D. Salerno Sons Funeral Homes; and
WHEREAS, Jo Ann Salerno was born in 1941; and graduated from St. Mary’s High School, attended Marquette University and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science; and
WHEREAS, she married Phillip Serpico in 1961 and raised their three sons, Philip, Joseph and Christopher; the family settled in Elmwood Park where Jo Ann served with distinction in leadership in both community organizations and public service, holding leadership positions in Elm School PTA, Elmwood Park Women’s Club, Infant Welfare Society, and Elmwood Park Friends of the Library. She served as an Elmwood Park Village Trustee, Republican Committeewoman and Precinct Captain; and
WHEREAS, after serving as a village health inspector, Jo Ann spent 25 years as a health facility surveyor for the Illinois Department of Public Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public service administration, was registered as a sanitarian, and earned certification as an environmental health practitioner and specialist; and
WHEREAS, in 1990 Jo Ann became a member of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA), becoming its second woman president; and since 2010 served as executive director; and
WHEREAS, Jo Ann is also a former president of the Calabrese in America Organization and Maroons Ladies Club; past secretary of the Italo American Soccer Club, Social Club “Maroons” and the Italian Americans War Veterans Joseph Gentile Post 2; and
WHEREAS, she was a founding member of the Casa Italia Board of Directors and served as corporate secretary from 2003 to 2004.
WHEREAS, in 2018, Italian President Sergio Mattarella of Italy inducted Jo Ann into the ranks of the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia in recognition of her many contributions to the Italian-American community; and
WHEREAS, Jo Ann was an admired and beloved member of her Italian-American community and her contributions and inspiration will be cherished by so many who loved and knew her; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by President Toni Preckwinkle and the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jo Ann Serpico and join them in solidarity in this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Jo Ann Serpico that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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