An autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Mario’s death was pending, the medical examiner’s office said.
A neighbor called 911 to report the fire shortly before 5 p.m. after noticing smoke coming from the rear of a split-level home, according to Palatine Rural Fire Protection District Chief Rich May.
Firefighters arrived in minutes and found heavy smoke and fire at 219 Bradwell Road, May said.
Crews entered the home and found the couple, one of whom was in the kitchen, May said. The couple, in their 80s, were pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner’s office hasn’t released their names.