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Former state lawmaker, teacher Vince Persico remembered as 'staunch ally of DuPage County'

To "get the straight scoop" about Springfield government, DuPage County leaders say they relied on a candid voice.

First as a state lawmaker and later as a lobbyist, Vince Persico built a reputation as a straightforward and approachable advocate.

"He understood as well as anybody how the legislature worked," said Bob Schillerstrom, who was serving as the DuPage County Board chairman when Persico's lobbying firm was hired by the county in 2003.

Persico, who built another career as a social studies teacher, died July 22. Family and friends will gather to remember the 67-year-old at a Glen Ellyn country club next month.

The Republican first won election to the Illinois House in 1990, representing parts of Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lombard and Wheaton. Persico didn't shy away from highly technical issues, serving as one of the chief negotiators on a plan to deregulate the utility industry.

"He was always one who would explain both sides of an issue," former Illinois House Speaker Lee Daniels said Monday.

At Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, Persico taught seventh- and eighth-grade social studies classes for nearly 30 years and welcomed questions about his public position.

"That's what really made him such a phenomenal teacher, not only his personality with the kids, but he had that firsthand knowledge," said Dina Sbarra, who considered Perisco a mentor.

In the winter, you'd also spot Persico giving students hot chocolate to warm up.

"He had that caring side of him, too," said Sbarra, a fellow Hadley teacher. "Everything was for kids and whatever they needed."

Persico did not seek re-election and decided to become a lobbyist after his sixth term ended in 2003. His firm - V.A. Persico Consulting Inc. - pushed the county's legislative agenda up until his death.

"Vince was a respected legislator and most importantly one of the kindest, best friends we could ever wish to have," DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin said in a statement. "He was a staunch ally of DuPage County, and the results of his energy and advocacy will benefit our residents for decades to come."

A memorial will be held for Perisco from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 17, at Glen Oak Country Club, 21 W 451 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn.

Donations can be made in honor of Perisco, an avid golfer, to the Evans Scholars Foundation, a group that awards college scholarships for caddies.

• Daily Herald staff writer Robert Sanchez contributed to this report.

Vince Persico, who served as a state lawmaker, lobbyist and teacher at Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, died July 22. Family and friends will gather to remember the 67-year-old at a Glen Ellyn country club next month.
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