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ST. CHARLES – Rich Simpson fondly remembers Mark DeToni always getting after people to keep things tidy in the area near their respective businesses in St. Charles.
“He is the kind of guy who always wanted things to be clean,” Simpson said.
Simpson said he was stunned to hear of the death of his friend. DeToni, 54, who lived near St. Charles, died Wednesday night in a crash on Route 47 in Blackberry Township.
DeToni was the owner of Mr. Marco’s Jewelers, a business at 216 W. Main St. in St. Charles.
Simpson owns the Alibi Bar and Grill, which is at 12 N. Third St. in St. Charles.
“It’s just sad to hear that it happened,” Simpson said. “It’s unreal.”
According to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, DeToni was driving south in a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban on Route 47, near the intersection of Rowe Road, when his vehicle crossed the center of the road and went off onto the northbound shoulder of the roadway and then back onto the roadway.
The vehicle began to roll, and DeToni was ejected, police said. Police said DeToni was driving at a high rate of speed, and that he did not appear to be wearing a seat belt.
Police said the investigation continues, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
Lt. Pat Gengler, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said there is a curve in the road that can be difficult for those who are driving above the speed limit.
"If you're going the speed limit, it shouldn't be a problem," Gengler said.
Simpson said that DeToni had been in business in St. Charles for more than 13 years.
DeToni – as “Mr. Marco” – opened a shop on Wabash Avenue in Chicago and made custom jewelry, especially diamond engagement rings. He moved to The Market in St. Charles in 1993 because he was facing increasing competition in Chicago.
The business grew enough that he eventually opened the store at 216 W. Main St.
Simpson knew DeToni as “a standup guy” and someone who “always talked nice to everybody.”
“He would always give you some advice,” Simpson said.