Macario Manuel Rico, Jr., 88, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on October 21, 2019. He will be deeply missed by his family who now find solace in knowing that he is reunited with his wife, Mary, in their heavenly home.
Macario graduated from Franklin Boro High School and completed his Bachelor's degree from Elizabethtown College. When asked what he had done for a living, Macario often responded "a little bit of everything". He worked for Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, the State Police Academy in Hershey, Ford Motor Company in New Jersey, and Labor and Industry in Harrisburg. He had an exemplary work ethic that he passed on to his children and was also very proud of his military service. Macario served in the Navy as a signalman aboard the aircraft carrier Kersarge (CV-33) from 1948-1952. He also served in the PA Air National Guard for 21 years with the 193d Special Operations Wing, Middletown, PA.
Macario was a life member and past commander of both VFW Post 1213 in Rutherford and Post 1718 in Penbrook. He was a life member of the American Legion, a life member of AmVets Post on Derry Street, and past commander of American Legion Post 1001. He also served as a VFW District commander. Macario enjoyed dancing with his beautiful wife, Mary, spending time with his grandchildren, bowling, and vacationing with his family.
Macario was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, his parents Eloisa Vasquez and Macario Rico, his sister Louise Mendola, and his brother Frank Rico. He is survived by his children Rose Mary Reed (Anthony), Annette Louise and Macario Joseph Rico; his grandchildren Brooke Kathleen Burkman, Joseph Macario Rico and Ali Louise Reed; great grandson Rodney; and sister, Mary Schuster.
Visitation will be from 6-8pm in Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 and from 10-11am on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00am following the visitation at the church. Burial will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a tax exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that helps bring independence back to our nation's most severely wounded veterans.
