Born in Chicago on June 5, 1942, to Leon and Yvonne (Rentherham) Van Duys, Richard grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood. He was shaped by a deep-rooted work ethic, always holding down two jobs, and a heart big enough to make friends wherever he went. He worked in many places over the years, but one of his favorite roles was at Hoffman High School, where he enjoyed being part of the school community alongside his wife, Cassie.Richard was outgoing, kind, and full of stories. He would give you the shirt off his back and was the type of guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He made friends everywhere, from work to the neighborhood, even in the grocery store parking lot. But at the end of the day, he loved being home. He was also an incredible cook. Thanksgiving was his holiday, and he could turn it into a feast. He loved experimenting in the kitchen. Some meals were masterpieces, some not so much, but he never stopped trying new things.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Cassie; his siblings, Alice Martin and Robert Van Duys; his granddaughter, Angela Van Duys; and his great granddaughter, Abigail Annis. He will be greatly missed by his children, Michael (Pat), Patricia (Scott) Costa, and William (Christine); grandchildren, Kaleigh (Matthew) Annis, Courtney Costa, Amanda and Nathan Van Duys, and Christie Kanches; great-grandchildren, Beau and Jackson Annis; and his sister, Jackie Edfors.