September 19, 2014
| NEWS
Remembering Jio Lanzi A
loyal Hawk and a friendly companion, Maine South senior Jioangelo Lanzi, better known as Jio, passed away on Sept. 3, 2014. Family and friends remember Jio as a free-spirited young man with a passion for being friendly to others. Jio moved to Park Ridge from the Philippines in fifth grade and instantly formed friendships with his classmates despite the language barrier between them. Senior Eugene Beale, who became close to Jio from the time he arrived, vividly remembers Jio’s first days at Washington Elementary. “I remember he wore this puffy, yellow North Face Jacket which really stood out,” said Beale. “The only words he could say at the time in English were ‘I am from the Philippines’.” Jio was involved in the Wrestling Program at Maine South. Mr. Hansen was Jio’s wrestling coach during his Freshman and Sophomore years. Jio was an integral part of the team, even when he was sidelined with injuries. Coach Hansen loved having Jio around whether or not he was competing or simply supporting his teammates. “I learned a lot as a coach from Jio,” said Coach Hansen. “All the things we teach in the wrestling program, Jio did. He was so appreciative of being around and having opportunities. He had a great sense of humor and always made you feel like it was a great day no matter what.” Jio’s counselor, Ms. Spillman, enjoyed working with him at Maine South. “Jio had a tremendous personality,” Ms. Spillman said. “He was a fighter and all about caring for the school and making people welcome. On occasion, he would stop into my office and say ‘hello’ on the way to class. I will miss seeing him.” Mrs. Hamrin, a social worker at Maine South, remembers Jio making friends as soon as he learned to navigate the halls of the school. “When you saw Jio walking through the hallway, you couldn’t help but smile,” Mrs. Hamrin said.
PHOTOS BY STEPHEN SAKOWICZ
Saying ‘hi’ to Jio was a daily occurrence for many students, as Jio had become friends with classmates from a variety of social circles at Maine South. “His smile brought joy to everyone in the school, and his outgoing personality made him shine,” said classmate and friend, senior Ben Simic. Both Simic and fellow senior Michael Rupick will miss Jio’s infectious personality. “He was the one person who would make you laugh on a bad day,” Rupick said. “Being a close friend to Jio was something I was lucky to be. We would hang out every day, go to school together, work together—we did everything together. We all have tough times in life, but we all have to remember that Jio will always be with us. I love and miss him with my whole heart.” Maine South senior Jimmy Rancich helped mobilize efforts to support the Lanzi family through the Jio Lanzi Memorial Fund. Rancich became close to Jio soon after his move to Park Ridge.
“I remember in middle school when we hung out, I was laughing the whole time and then we would go home and Facebook chat and talk about the deep things that middle schoolers talk about,” Rancich said. “He was so friendly and didn’t let anything silly like your appearance prevent him from talking to you. He could make me so happy and help me through difficult times.” Dean Richards of WGN recently posted a tribute to Jio on Facebook, inspired by Jimmy Rancich and his desire to help support Jio and his family. The post was well received by Richards’ following, gaining over 300 likes within a few days of it being posted. Jio had aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse in the future and was working towards an internship at Lutheran General Hospital. His goal stemmed from his desire to help people and especially help children who had been hospitalized. A vigil took place in front of the Park Ridge City Hall on Sept. 4 for family and friends to say one last goodbye to Jio and to remember the Hawk that became well known in many of our social circles. The event was marked by an incredible turnout, truly reflecting the impact that Jio had on Maine South. Students from all classes lit candles, spoke of the friend that had always made them smile, and wrote messages on Chinese lanterns that were released into the sky. The positivity and open-mindedness that Jio displayed will impact the lives’ of Hawks for years to come. Contributions to the Memorial Fund can be made through PayPal and also to “The Jio Lanzi Memorial Fund,” TCF Bank, 1 West Devon Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068. by Stephen Sakowicz
ONE MORE TIME A student lights a candle, one of hundreds on the steps of City Hall, in memory of Jio (left). Friends and classmates release the Chinese lanterns with notes and farewells to Jio into the air in front of City Hall (right). This candlelight vigil took place on Sept. 4 to honor the life of Jio Lanzi.
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