Mathew P. Cicero

1920 - 2016

Mathew P. Cicero 1920—2016
Mathew P. Cicero, 96, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Mathew was born April 26, 1920, to Paul and Mabel (Napoli) Cicero in Rockford. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Carl Cicero. Mathew was a 1948 graduate of the University of Illinois School of Law, University of Illinois School of Business, 1942 and Rockford Central High, 1938. Mathew was proud of his service to his Country. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron of the 20th Fighter Group, serving from 1943 to 1945 at Kingscliffe Airfield, Northants, England as the Squadron Executive Officer until WWII ended. Mathew continued his military service with the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1968, retiring as a Colonel. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Air Force Reserve Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award. Mathew practiced as an Attorney in Winnebago County from 1948 to 1988. He served as City Attorney for Rockford from 1957 to 1961. He served as City Attorney for Loves Park from 1971 to 1973. Mathew served as Chairman of the Board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois from 1981 to 1991, serving as a director from 1967 to 1991. He was a director of Rockford Blue Shield Board from 1960 to 1967. Mathew served terms as President of the Winnebago County Bar Association, Retired Officers Association and the 20th Fighter Group Association. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Reserve Officers Association, 8th Air Force Historical Society and the Air Force Association. Mathew's civic service included serving as Board Chairman of "WAVE", Board Chairman of the Visiting Nurses Association, Board Chairman of NICADD, Commissioner of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, Community Chest Board, Co-Chairman of the Holy Family Church Building Fund Drive, and Past President of the St. Anthony Senior Holy Name Society. He was voted into the Italian American Hall of Fame in 2004. Mathew was a long suffering Cub fan who greeted each new season with optimism. He had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field in 1987, on a day the Cubs actually won. Mathew married Pauline Philippi in Champaign, IL on January 27, 1947. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Pauline; sons, Paul R. (Nancy) Cicero and John E. (Marilyn) Cicero; daughters, Janet L. Cicero and Lenore A. (Stephen) Balogh. He was predeceased by his daughter, Margaret M. (Nikola) Culich and son, Carl W. Cicero. He is survived also by 8 grandchildren, Megan Culich (David) Butman, Mathew P. (Lilja Dora Gudmundardottir) Cicero II, Craig R. Cicero, Rachel C. Culich, Mathew J. (Stephanie) Cicero, Allison Cicero (Davis) Moore, Jacob S. Balogh and Margaret E. Balogh, and 7 great-grandchildren. Mathew rarely met a stranger, was encouraging and helpful to younger lawyers, lived a long and productive life and always enjoyed the company of his many good friends and family. He also was very indulgent to his children.
A Catholic Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 2, 2016, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL, with Fr. David Beauvais officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to United Way of Rock River Valley. Arrangements are with Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 707 Marchesano Dr. Condolences to: www.gasparinioliverifuneral.net