Richard W. Marek

Visitation for Richard William Marek, 73, will be held Monday, August 26, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy, Palatine. Prayers will be said at 9:45 AM on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the funeral home and process to Holy Family Catholic Community Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL where a Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 AM. The Interment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 700 N. River Rd, Des Plaines, IL.

Born May 20, 1951, in Chicago, Richard passed peacefully, after a short yet courageous battle with cancer.

Richard began his educational journey at St. Hilary’s Catholic Grammar School and Lane Tech High School in Chicago where he developed an early interest in craftsmanship. Following his passion, he attended Washburne Trade School where he became a skilled carpenter. Driven by a desire for continual growth through higher education while working full-time, Richard pursued a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Illinois Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from DePaul University with a focus on Commercial Real Estate. Richard balanced his career and studies with remarkable dedication.

Following in his brother, Father, and Grandfather’s footsteps, Richard worked for the Chicago Transit Authority for 28 years of service and retired at the early age of 52. Upon retirement, Richard participated in the CTA Pioneer Retirement Club where he served as the VP/Treasurer of the Club for 17 years. Richard fondly facilitated many gatherings for the retirement club and enjoyed the comradery of his fellow CTA retirees.

Richard deeply enjoyed the friendship of his neighbors and served as the Treasurer for the Plum Grove Woodlands Homeowners Association for 7 years.

Above all his accomplishments, Richard was a devoted family man and were a cherished brother, uncle, and friend. 

Richard is survived by his sister, Annamarie Katherine Gaconis (Stanley Lawerence); his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Marek; 14 nieces & nephews; 29 great-nieces and nephews; his cousin, Katherine Farrell; and his soulmate, Sue McGuire. Richard was preceded in death by his father, J. Kenneth Marek Sr.; his mother, Evelyn Margaret "Dolly" (Beck) Marek; his older brother, J. Kenneth "Butch" Marek Jr.; his younger brother, Robert James Marek; and his sister, Mary Colette “Ket” (Joseph Anthony Sr.).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.