500 at Rites for Exxon Executive Who Died After Being Kidnaped

Sidney J. Reso, the Exxon executive who died in captivity after being kidnaped from his New Jersey home, was buried in his hometown.

About 500 people attended the service Thursday at Holy Name of Jesus Church at Loyola University. Among the mourners were Exxon Chairman Lawrence Rawl and Exxon U.S.A. President Harry Longwell, a pallbearer.

Reso, 57, who had a history of heart trouble, died after being held five days in a storage locker, authorities said. Officials have not determined the cause of death.

Arthur D. Seale, a former Exxon security adviser, and his wife, Irene, were charged with the kidnaping. Irene Seale directed police to Reso’s grave in woods in southern New Jersey.

Mrs. Seale, 45, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to extortion and conspiracy and agreed to testify against her husband. She also agreed to plead guilty in state court to kidnaping. Irene Seale said she and her husband kidnaped Reso and sent his family ransom notes demanding $18.5 million.

Later Tuesday, Seale, 45, pleaded innocent to kidnaping and other federal charges. Prosecutors have said they might charge him with felony murder in state court.