Addison business leader dies

Serving the community was important to Patrick Amerena.

Whether it was working with the village's chamber of commerce, or serving as a member of the Addison Fire Protection District, he devoted large chunks of personal time.

Amerena, 78, a longtime Addison businessman and community leader, died Tuesday.

"I think he felt very lucky with what he had in life and wanted to give back to others," his daughter, Wendie Peters, said.

Amerena retired about 10 years ago from his business, EPSCO, Inc., which manufactures power supplies, and was able to spend more time with his hobbies: sports cars, particularly the MGB.

For many of the decades he lived in Addison, he was an officer and director of the Addison Industrial Association, which later became the Addison Association of Industry and Commerce when it joined the Addison Chamber of Commerce.

The combined group now is called the Addison Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Amerena retired from service with the organization in 2002, officials said.

Peters said the family is hoping to create a memorial fund at an area school that can further the college interests of less fortunate students.

Visitation is planned from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison. A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Addison.