Richard J. Lusiak

Visitation for Richard J. Lusiak, 82, of Palatine, will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.

Richard was born February 18, 1942, in Evanston, Illinois, and he passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, at New Perspective Senior Living in Long Grove, Illinois.

Richard was the beloved husband of the late Myra B. Lusiak, loving father of Kimberly (Chris) Ketcham and the late Richard A. (Abby) Lusiak, loving grandfather of Lacey, Alex, and Adam; dear son of the late Adam and Eleanor (nee Buhnerkempe) Lusiak; fond brother of Carol (Dennis) Remke.

He was a proud St. George High School graduate in Evanston, IL, and served in the National Guard. He met his wife, Myra, while both standing up at a mutual friend’s wedding. Richard and Myra moved to Palatine in 1970, where they raised their two children and became active community members. He worked with his father, Adam, in their family business, Lusiak Construction. Upon his father’s death, he continued to build the business and had many repeat customers. He was a master carpenter known throughout the northwest suburbs and north shore for his impeccable work, building home additions and renovations, but his specialty was building staircases and cabinetry. He was referred over and over to others by many of his customers. Richard could imagine and create anything, and there wasn’t a construction problem he couldn’t solve. In his spare time, he was an active coach for Palatine Celtic Soccer in the 1980s for his children’s house league and travel soccer teams. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Theresa Catholic parish, achieving 4th degree status. In the 1990s, he and Myra became hooked on line dancing after he convinced her to take a few lessons. You could find them dancing on Tuesday and Friday nights at Sundance Saloon in Mundelein for many years. They made numerous friends and made countless memories.

Richard could walk into a room and instantly connect with those around him. He was always up for a visit with family and friends, and he loved to catch up with his neighbors. They jokingly granted him the title of ‘Mayor’ of Helen Rd. He was a loving grandfather to his three grandchildren and rarely missed a game, track meet, dance recital, choir, or theatre performance. Most of all, he loved just stopping by their house and spending time with his family. He was a diehard Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan and enjoyed attending games and watching his favorite teams.

In place of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Palatine Celtic Soccer Scholarship Program, where Richard proudly coached both of his children in the 1980s. Donations will help provide scholarships and enable all players to play soccer regardless of financial resources. Checks can be mailed in memory of Richard to: Palatine Celtic Soccer, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine, IL, 60067, Or use the link https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4Y/