The DuPage Figure Skating Club deeply regrets to announce the passing of its president of many years, Mr. Joseph L. Serafine in March 2006. Mr. Serafine was instrumental in building our club and raising the bar for the development of skaters throughout the Chicago area. Under his direction, the DuPage Figure Skating Club hosted many US Figure Skating competitions including Junior Nationals, Junior World selections, and our very own DuPage Open. Mr. Serafine was also the US Figure Skating Vice-President.
Mr. Serafine was presented the prestigious F. Ritter Shumway Award in 1992 for his unending dedication and significant contributions to the world of figure skating, and in 1996 he received the ultimate honor with his induction to the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
The DuPage Figure Skating Club is forever grateful for Joe’s years of dedicated service to the sport and our club members. While we miss his guidance tremendously, we will aspire to carry on his dedication in the continued development and support for all of our skaters.
The DuPage Figure Skating Club deeply regrets to announce the passing of Eileen Serafine, a founding officer of the DuPage Figure Skating Club and judge. Eileen passed away on February 14, 2015, she was 92. Eileen was a figure skating Sectional and Gold singles and pairs judge for over 45 years, and one of our most dedicated volunteers as a Director and Board member. Mrs. Serafine exemplified volunteerism through 65 years of service with US Figure Skating, holding numerous committee chair positions. Eileen was instrumental in welcoming new members and coaches to the DuPage FSC, in working with and encouraging trial judges, and serving as the most gracious host to all of our judges and officials for our DuPage Open and other major US Figure Skating events. Eileen and her late husband, Joe, established the Eileen and Joseph Serafine scholarship to assist skaters to further pursue their collegiate studies and continue their passion for the sport through judging and officiating. An exceptional career of service, she always was so helpful and encouraging to many skaters in their achievements both on and off the ice.
The DuPage Figure Skating Club is forever grateful for Eileen's many contributions and dedicated years of service to our club and our sport. We will miss her dearly.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to her daughters, Jan, our DuPage FSC Club President, and Karen Considine, and their families.
It is with a very heavy heart that we pass along sad news of the passing of our dear friend and past DuPage FSC President, Jim Mirabile in January 2020. Jim was one of the club’s founding members and served as our President for many years. Jim created and graciously provided the Gold Blade Awards that are given to those club members who achieve the highest level in our sport. He will be missed not only for his beautiful Gold Blade awards, but for his warm smile and kindness to all. He always had the skater’s best interest at heart and provided our club with such sound advice and counsel throughout the years.
Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather to such a wonderful and beautiful family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loving wife, Corinne, his daughters, Joanne, Nicole, Andrea and Lisette, and their extended family and grandchildren.
Barbara was a wonderful judge and long time club member who served as the DuPage Figure Skating Club’s corresponding secretary. She passed away in 2002.
Barbara exemplified volunteerism and service to all – she is the inspiration for the DuPage FSC “Barbara Hopper” award, to which we honor club members who have given outstanding service with dedication to our club.
The DuPage Figure Skating Club sadly regrets the passing of one of its beloved judges, and long time club member, Mrs. Doris Bodmer. Fondly referred to by all in the skating world, “Mrs. B,” touched so many from her years in coaching and judging in the Chicago area. Doris passed away at her home on May 4th, 2007 after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. For more than 30 years she taught several generations of young skaters, and was an honored judge and author of the book, “How to Raise a Competitive Figure Skater.” In the skating world Doris was a wonderful coach, judge, and friend and is truly missed by all. The DuPage Figure Skating Club is thankful for her many years of service and dedication to the heart and soul of so many skaters.
The DuPage Figure Skating Club sadly regrets the passing of long time Judge and Board Member, Ruth Gregori. Ruth Frances Gregori, nee Pennie, age 77 of Skokie, IL died February 9, 2008 at Alden Estates of Evanston. She was born June 16, 1930 in Chicago, IL. Mrs. Gregori was a member of St. Peter Parish in Skokie. She was a graduate of Mundelein College in Chicago. Mrs. Gregori taught elementary education for more than thirty years at St. Ita and St. Jerome Schools in Chicago. Mrs. Gregori raised and bred Kerry Blue Terriers for more than thirty-five years, many of which were champions. Her husband, Donn James and daughter, Hollie, preceded her in death. Survivors include son, Donn James Jr. (Janet) of Evanston; granddaughters Emily, Lindsey, and Courtney; a sister, Lois Esler; a brother, Jerry Pennie; and many nieces and nephews.
In memory of our friend, member and accountant extraordinaire, Rich Jonesi. Rich had been our Chief Accountant at the DuPage Open, and was such a wonderful, kind, and very intelligent man who always was a commensurate gentleman. He began his skating involvement through accompanying his daughter, professional coach Cindy Caprel, to many competition events and subsequently was bitten by the accounting bug—to which we were so grateful! He was so proud of Cindy, and his granddaughter Kelly Caprel, as he thoroughly enjoyed sharing in their accomplishments and travels. Rich thrived on working the back room whether at a local Basic Skills event to a hectic Regionals or Mids, as he had a true appreciation for the skater and everyone involved. He took time out to help anyone whenever asked, and he served as a great mentor to so many.
Janet Wright, great friend and dedicated skating judge. Janet has such a passion for skating and a love for figures.
Janet was a former skater with Holiday on Ice, and continued her passion in the professional skating arena as the first executive director of ProSkaters and founder of the Pro Skating Historical Foundation. She passed away in November 2012.
