David Michael DeRicco

David Michael DeRicco, beloved husband, brother, father, stepfather, grandfather, and uncle, came home to Our Heavenly Father on May 31, 2025.

David cherished the love and connection with his family, including wife Judith DeRicco, brother James DeRicco, daughter Alyssa DeRicco, stepchildren Nicole (Andrius) Eringis, Leslie (Steven) Kayser, and Bradley Emmer. Dear grandfather to Christopher Nation Jr., and loving "Buppa" to Damian Emmer and Jamie Kayser. Beloved uncle to Dominic (Sandra) DeRicco, Anthony (Sherri) DeRicco, Sheila (Robert) Derka, and Diana (Michael) Alvarez.

Preceded in death by parents Lydo and Louise DeRicco, and sister Linda Dillingham.

Born in Chicago and raised in Keeneyville, Illinois, David attended St. Joseph Military Academy, and spent much of his life in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, eventually settling with Judy along a serene channel of the Fox River.

David's technical prowess served him well as an electrician, mechanic, and handyman. Not only was he appreciated and respected in his professional life, he was endlessly generous and supportive, helping everyone in the family however he could, for however long it took.

Ever the outdoorsman, David delighted in fun pursuits: boating, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, and the many remote-controlled airplanes he had built or restored. He was a doting pet parent to multiple dogs, all of whom enjoyed the tender caress of and snuggles with their dad. Whether hunched over a chess board, singing along to his favorite music, or learning about American history, David's enthusiasm for life was infectious. Especially when any of his beloved Chicago sports teams were winning.

Perhaps most of all, David loved the company of and communion with his wife, daughter, family, and friends. His biggest and brightest smiles were in celebrations with laughter, good food, fresh air, and sweet treats.

A devout Catholic, David was called home sooner than we had hoped, but we take comfort in the love and devotion we were lucky enough to experience while he was with us.

The family is eternally grateful for the tireless efforts and kindness of the following organizations:

- Carroll County Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff's Office, and 911 Center

- Savanna Fire, Police, and EMS

- Illinois and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources

- Federal Fish and Wildlife

- First responders from Ogle County, Thomson, Sabula, Hanover, Shannon, Bellevue, and Island City

- OSF Life Flight

- MABAS-IL, Division 8, and Division 36

- Christian Aid Ministries

Visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N Main Street, Wauconda, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00am at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 348 W Mill Street, Wauconda, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the following:

Carroll Country Emergency Management Agencies (EMA)

301 North Main St

Mt Carroll, IL 61053

Savanna Fireman's Association

101 Main Street

Savanna, IL 61074

Christian Aid Ministries - Illinois Search and Rescue

PO Box 360

Berlin, OH 44610