Richards 2020 Grad Dies In Accident, GoFundMe Set Up For Family

OAK LAWN, IL — Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe account for the family of a 2020 graduate of Richards High School, who died unexpectedly the day before Thanksgiving.

Rocco Palumbo, 18, graduated from Richards High School in May. He and his sister, Mia, were accomplished wrestlers for the Bulldogs wrestling team. Palumbo qualified for the IHSA finals last February for the third time in his high school wrestling career. He took second in the sectionals to advance to the IHSA finals.

>>> DONATE: 'Celebration of Rocco's Life' GoFundMe Campaign

Palumbo’s sister, Mia, said her brother died after a sudden accident.

“Being so active in the community, this news was devastating to many,” Mia Palumbo said in a statement o GoFundMe. If you know his parents, you already know they are truly devoted to their children. They are suffering a loss that is unimaginable that no mother or father should ever have to endure.”

Accolades are pouring into from Richards staff and former teammates, who described Palumbo as an “awesome” well-rounded athlete and a “great young man.”

“I worked at Richards HS, while your son attended there...,” a Richards employee wrote in an online condolence. “I have fond memories of your children doing great things and competing for Richards.”

“Rocco was an amazing friend and always knew how to put a smile on my face. He was an amazing person to be around,” another said.

The organizers of the online campaign said the Palumbo family would never ask for help on their own. Donations will be used for to pay for funeral arrangements and other expenses.

Rocco leaves his parents, Robert and Jeannette Palumbo; and siblings Mia and Carmelo Palumbo. He was the grandson of John and Sue Cook and Mike and Ann Sanfilippo; nephew of Michael Cook, Russell (Tara) Palumbo, Ashley (James) Reynolds and Tara Bogard. Rocco’s memory will be cherished by many other relatives and friends, according to a Chapel Hill Gardens South obituary.

A visitation is planned for 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 at Chapel Hill Gardens South, 11333 S. Central Ave. Oak Lawn. The funeral home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 10 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times.

Students cheer on Rocco Palumbo and the Richards speech team as they head to state:

Video courtesy of Richards High School