Peter "Hon" Rico

age 75, of Highland, IN, was called by the Lord to be reunited with his bride, Monica "Mona" Rico on Tuesday Jan. 25, 2021. He is survived by his loving children; son, Damian (Kari) Rico and daughter, Tiffany (Raul) Maldonado; grandchildren: Raul, Rico, Reis, Ryan Maldonado and Alexandria, Anthony and Monica Rico and Adriana Vizcarra and great grandchildren: Shane and Ava; and sister: Laura (Bruce) Benben.

Most people yearn to meet their heroes, we were honored to be raised by ours. Dad was born to Jose Mario and Hermila Rico in Berkeley, CA on July 7, 1945. He graduated from East Chicago Washington and loved telling stories about his "Harbor" days singing Doo-wop on the street corners, dances at the K-House and his days in "The Playboys" social club. He valiantly served his country in the Army during Vietnam (1967-68) and was awarded the Bronze Star for courageously carrying a fellow wounded soldier back to the helicopter during hostile fire. Our humble hero was proud of his family and never missed his children and grandchildren's games or programs, coaching many of them. Proud active member of the DAV Chapter 17 (Hammond), Our Lady of Perpetual Help and The Cursillo Gary Diocese.

The family is asking donations to Hospice of the Calumet Area's We Honor Veterans Program be considered.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 from 2-6 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A prayer service will be delivered by Fr. Tom Mischler at 4 PM with an honor ceremony by the DAV Ch. 17 to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 directly at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 7132 Arizona Ave, Hammond, IN 46323. Rev. Charles A. Mosley officiating. Peter will lie in state at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. A private burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. Those attending visitation and Mass are required to wear masks and to follow social distancing protocol. Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com