Dr. John M. Virgo

Dr. John Michael Virgo, of Atlanta, Georgia died Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the age of 69. He was born in Prestbury, England to John & Muriel Agnes Virgo. Dr. Virgo graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from California State University at Fullerton and a Master’s Degree and Ph.D in economics from Claremont Graduate University. He was the founder of the International Atlantic Economic Society, founder and managing editor of the Atlantic Economic Journal, founder and Editor-in-Chief of International Advances in Economic Research, a retired faculty member of the Department of Management at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, as well as a veteran of the United States Naval Air. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Dr. Katherine Virgo, daughter, Debra Marie & husband Edward John Riekstins, father, John Virgo, brother, Collin Virgo and significant other Christy Hornbeck, three sisters, Angela Virgo, Barbara Virgo, and Donna Hamilton, Three grandchildren, Adam Edward Riekstins, Troy Michael Riekstins, and Katrina Marie Riekstins, and many nieces and nephews. Dr. Virgo was preceded in death by his mother, Muriel Agnes Virgo, Katherine’s parents, John & Doris Ulmrich, Collin’s wife, Laureen, and Donna’s husband, Mark Wayne Hamilton. Dr. Virgo was a gentle man, a fan of the arts, loved classical music, and long walks in the botanical gardens. He and Katherine had the rare luxury of traveling together throughout their married years. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 353 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, at 1:00 pm, with Father Edward J. Thein officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, November 30, 2012 from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at H. M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill, 1020 Spring St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. The family will also receive friends Monday, December 3, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Elias-Smith Funeral Home, 727 E. Bethalto Blvd., Bethalto, IL 62010. Interment will be held at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bethalto, IL on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The International Atlantic Economic Society at www.iaes.org/donations/donate, or the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University at http://winshipcancer.emory.edu. Online Condolences may be made at www.hmpattersonspringhill.com