thedrifter
03-10-07, 06:50 AM
Vet dies from hit-and-run injuries
March 10, 2007
By Kim Janssen Staff writer
Marine veteran Martin Strocchio was as strong as they come.
But 4½ months after a hit-and-run driver in a stolen sports utility vehicle plowed into the 86-year-old's car as he drove to his 63rd wedding anniversary celebration, Strocchio finally succumbed to his injuries Friday.
Strocchio was injured in the crash on the morning of Oct. 29 in the 3300 block of West 55th Street, just yards from his home on South Christiana Avenue, Chicago police spokesman John Henry said.
Police secured the hit-and-run driver's DNA from the stolen Cadillac Escalade he was riding in with two passengers, said Strocchio's widow, Marion Strocchio.
The driver still was at large Friday evening, but officers from the major accidents investigation unit still were investigating, Henry said.
"We married during the (Second World) War, and we were still desperately in love," Marion Strocchio said.
"He'd been in three hospitals since the accident, but he got out two weeks ago Wednesday, and he was making such good progress at home."
Strocchio, who ran a trucking business with his brother, served with the Marines in the Pacific campaign and remained a staunch patriot the rest of his life, his wife said.
"He had a 12-foot flag outside our house, and he kept it in perfect condition," she said, adding that Strocchio was a keen gardener who grew vegetables for his neighbors and was a favorite with neighborhood kids.
"They'd flock around him like he was their grandfather, and he'd pull nickels from their ears," she said, "He was a wonderful man.
"I just hope they catch the guy who did this."
Contributing: STNG News Service
Kim Janssen may be reached at
kjanssen@dailysouthtown.com
or (70 633-5998.
Ellie
March 10, 2007
By Kim Janssen Staff writer
Marine veteran Martin Strocchio was as strong as they come.
But 4½ months after a hit-and-run driver in a stolen sports utility vehicle plowed into the 86-year-old's car as he drove to his 63rd wedding anniversary celebration, Strocchio finally succumbed to his injuries Friday.
Strocchio was injured in the crash on the morning of Oct. 29 in the 3300 block of West 55th Street, just yards from his home on South Christiana Avenue, Chicago police spokesman John Henry said.
Police secured the hit-and-run driver's DNA from the stolen Cadillac Escalade he was riding in with two passengers, said Strocchio's widow, Marion Strocchio.
The driver still was at large Friday evening, but officers from the major accidents investigation unit still were investigating, Henry said.
"We married during the (Second World) War, and we were still desperately in love," Marion Strocchio said.
"He'd been in three hospitals since the accident, but he got out two weeks ago Wednesday, and he was making such good progress at home."
Strocchio, who ran a trucking business with his brother, served with the Marines in the Pacific campaign and remained a staunch patriot the rest of his life, his wife said.
"He had a 12-foot flag outside our house, and he kept it in perfect condition," she said, adding that Strocchio was a keen gardener who grew vegetables for his neighbors and was a favorite with neighborhood kids.
"They'd flock around him like he was their grandfather, and he'd pull nickels from their ears," she said, "He was a wonderful man.
"I just hope they catch the guy who did this."
Contributing: STNG News Service
Kim Janssen may be reached at
kjanssen@dailysouthtown.com
or (70 633-5998.
Ellie