Schools fear reputed gangster's funeral
Friday, September 28, 2007 12:46 AM CDT
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BY DAN HINKEL
dhinkel@nwitimes.com
219.933.4183

MUNSTER | Whether or not Rosalio Rincon earned his reputation among police as a gang-affiliated drug dealer, his wake and funeral are inspiring fear in Munster.

St. Thomas More School canceled classes Monday because of Rincon's funeral next door at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Ave. A letter sent home to parents Thursday called the situation "potentially very dangerous," and warned of "threats of violence."

The School Town of Munster sent a phone message to parents and staff members Thursday warning of a "heavy police presence" near the home. The school system did not alter its schedule, which includes an early dismissal today. St. Thomas More also canceled a slate of extra curricular activities that coincide with the Chicago man's wake today and Saturday.

"You can always reschedule a program," said the Rev. Michael Yadron, of St. Thomas More. "You can't reschedule a person's life."

Rincon's mother, Hammond resident Sara Rincon, is angry. She said police and church officials are spreading fear about a man they didn't know, and that her son was a "good person."

"There is no reason to fear," she said. "We are not animals."

Munster police know of funeral and wake plans, Sgt. Steven Kovacik said. He would not say if Munster police or other officers would increase patrols.

But nearby businesses said police visited them to warn of extra officers around the funeral home. And the letter from St. Thomas More says federal agents will "be stationed within the area to protect our citizenry."

A federal agent shot Rincon once in the chest Monday during an attempted arrest. Rincon -- facing a federal indictment accusing him of selling cocaine -- drove his car at the agent, police said.

Police also arrested Rincon on Aug. 31 in Highland after he allegedly tried to run over an officer with a car that authorities said contained cocaine. Police said Rincon confessed after that arrest to being a member of the Latin Dragons, a Chicago-based street gang.
Sara Rincon said she didn't know everything about her son's personal life, but she said Rosalio Rincon -- father of a 6-year-old boy -- helped people. Police didn't know her son, she said.

"They've made him out to be a monster," she said. "Even though he lived the lifestyle that he lived, he had a good heart."

Burns-Kish staff members did not know of Rosalio Rincon's alleged criminal activity or reputed gang membership when family members scheduled the wake and funeral at the home near Ridge Road and Calumet Avenue, said Tim Kish, funeral home manager. The service is private, and Kish doesn't expect any problems, he said. Dead people need to be buried, Kish said.

"We're trying to help someone get their family member buried," he said.

People shouldn't fear the mourners at the wake and funeral, Sara Rincon said.

"His friends have children," she said.

In a letter to parents Thursday, St. Thomas More School Principal Chet Nordyke warned parents of a "potentially very dangerous situation." Classes on Monday were canceled, and the school scrapped weekend activities. Activities canceled include:
Today:
- After-school care program
- After-school play practice
- After-school band practice
- A Knights of Columbus fish fry
Saturday:
- All sports to be played in the gym
- Trivia night
Sunday:
- All sports to be played in the gym
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