CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Pilsen Food Pantry is raising money to help one of their own: a man who started as a volunteer, became one of its leading lights - and has died suddenly at the age of 50.
It was right at the beginning of the pandemic when Celso Dionicio came to the Pilsen Food Pantry - not for food - but to help.
“He worked at a restaurant several days a week that was closed for the stay-at-home order and Dionicio lived around the corner and wanted to keep busy, because that’s how Celso was," said Dr. Evelyn Figueroa, the founder of the Pilsen Food Pantry.
Dionicio had stomach ulcers that bled and had received blood transfusions in the past, according to Figueroa. This past weekend, his illness led to a heart attack - and he died.
Now the food pantry is raising money to help Dionicio’s family in Mexico give him a funeral.
“He sent money back to Mexico. He has a son and two daughters and did what he could to help them," Figueroa said. "He has parents that are still alive in Mexico that he also would send money and help.”
She also said the most immediate concern is raising the money for the family to bring his body back to Mexico.
Information on how to make donations can be found here.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram