Charles L. Pica, 88, of De Soto, formerly of Chicago Heights, Ill., died Aug. 6, 2020, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mr. Pica was a retired carman/welder for Union Pacific Railroad and a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America. He was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of Amvets Post 48, B.P.O.E. Lodge 689, and the Knights of Columbus, and was a member and past commander of VFW Post 8283 in Steger, Ill.
He was born Dec. 12, 1931, in Chicago Heights, the son of the late Aqualino and Sandy (Ruggeri) Pica. He was preceded in death by his wife: Myra (Winn) Pica.
He is survived by three children: Richard “Rick” Pica of De Soto, Greg (Karen) Pica of Joppa, Ala., and Stephanie Pica of Steger, Ill.; two siblings: Mario Pica of South Chicago Heights, Ill,, and Ann Lutgen of Schererville, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law: Cheryl Pica; and a brother: Gene Pica.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Amvets Post 48, 1075 Amvets Drive, in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.