Vince Persico

For more than a decade, Vince Persico was a familiar fixture to the ISEPS leadership as our representative in the state capitol.  He was a tireless and effective advocate as our lobbyist who not only earned our respect, but also won our friendship.  Vince passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016, as a result of brain cancer that was diagnosed the previous December.

Vince represented ISEPS in Springfield for some 12 years, battling on our behalf on scope of practice issues, among other matters.  In 2015, he successfully lobbied for passage of the "Topical Eye Drop Medication Act" which requires insurance companies to cover eye drop refills for patients who have chronic eye diseases.  Vince also assisted Illinois ophthalmologists to build strong relationships with members of the General Assembly through personal contact and effective use of our political action committee contributions.  As a lobbyist, he worked easily with lawmakers from both parties and clearly had their respect.

ISEPS is particularly proud to name its advocacy award in his memory.  The Vincent A. Persico Advocacy Award will be given to a deserving individual who exemplifies not only significant effort as an advocate, but who does so in a way that honors the ethical principles which Vince demonstrated as our lobbyist, as an elected official and as a human being.

Vince Persico was born on December 9, 1948, in Oak Park, Illinois.  He graduated from the University of Illinois and later earned a master's degree from Northern Illinois University.  In 1991, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives from the 39th District (Glen Ellyn).  Committee assignments included Aging, Environment and Energy, Financial Institutions, Electric Utility Deregulation, Labor and Telecommunications Rewrite.  As a State Representative, Vince's efforts resulted in stronger consumer protections and more competition in the marketplace.  During his tenure in the House, he was a strong supporter of the values advocated by ophthalmologists, especially with respect to maintaining the quality of medical and surgical eye care.  He retired from the General Assembly on January 9, 2002.

Before being elected to the legislature, Vince was a school teacher, and he also was active in numerous community/civic organizations.  He had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around.  

Vince is survived by his wife, Donna, and his son Derek and family.

Read the obituary published in the Chicago Tribune HERE.