Surnames: Derrico, Fesus

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) May 11, 2000 Page 10

Derrico, Jacob Frank (13 Mar. 1978 - 7 May 2000)

CURTISS--Private First Class Jacob F. Derrico, 22, Curtiss, died May 7, 2000, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Park County, Colo., while serving in the United States Army at Fort Carson.

Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service to eulogize his life at the Derrico family farm, Hickory Road, Curtiss, at 1 p.m. May 13, 2000, with full military rites by the U. S. Army.

Maurina Funeral Home of Abbotsford assisted the family with the arrangements.

Jacob Frank "Jake" Derrico was born March 13, 1978, in Elgin, Ill., the son of Frank and Judy (nee Fesus) Derrico. He was a 1997 graduate of Owen-Withee High School where he enjoyed wrestling and playing football. Since Jake was eight years old, he excelled in martial arts and held a second degree black belt in karate. He was involved in numerous state and national competitions and participated in the Badger State Games. Jake was a longtime instructor and role model with Derrico's Black Belt Schools in Abbotsford, Medford and Thorp. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially hunting.

Jake enlisted in the U. S. Army in March of 1999 and served basic and infantry training school in Fort Benning, Ga. He was transferred to Fort Carson and was with the Alpha Co. 1-12 Mech. Infantry unit for the past nine months and was awarded two Army Achievement medals.

Jake will be sadly missed by many friends and family including his parents, Frank and Judy Derrico of Curtiss; brother and sister-in-law Mathew and Terese Derrico of Dorchester; maternal grandparents Joseph and Margaret Fesus of Mesa, Ariz.; nieces Tiffany Amber and Louella Rose; nephew Nolan Frederick; and many aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Jean Derrico. A memorial for martial arts scholarships will be established in his name by the family