Richard James Walsh

Richard J. Walsh was born on August 17, 1951 on the southside of Chicago to Ruth and Richard P. Walsh. He grew up in the West Beverly neighborhood, living a few blocks away from his grammar school and church, St. John Fisher. He had many, many fond memories of playing with his cousins and childhood friends as a boy, and he often reminisced about those good times.

Rick went to Morgan Park High School. After high school, he became an apprentice carpenter, working his way to journeyman carpenter. While driving around, he always pointed out the houses and buildings that he worked on. When Rick had the opportunity to join the Chicago Fire Department, he jumped at the chance, and it was the perfect job for him. He loved being a Chicago Firefighter and sought out the busy houses for the excitement of fighting a fire and the camaraderie with the guys. Not surprising, he learned how to cook at the firehouse, and every meal he made at home was in huge quantities.

In 1986, he married his wife of almost 36 years, Lois. They settled in the same neighborhood where Rick grew up and raised two beautiful daughters, Erin and Lauren. He would do anything for the girls, whether escorting them to a father/daughter dance, supervising the girl scout troop in their apple pie making, or coaching. Raising the kids, he would say, were the best years of his life.

The last 4 years, Rick was blessed to know 2 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and spoiled without shame. He shared with them his exuberance and love of Cheetos!

Rick was the beloved husband of Lois (nee Brockmann); Loving father of Erin (Michael) Wogan and Lauren (Brian Gates) Walsh; Proud grandfather of Ruth and Grace Wogan; Loving brother of Sharon Urbon and brother-in-law of Marilyn (nee Brockmann) and Steve Kosmella. He was uncle to many nieces and nephews. He deeply loved his dogs, Paka, Goldie, Charlie, Cody and Cooper.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10:00 am followed by a Mass at 11:30 am at St. John Fisher Parish, 10234 S. Washtenaw, Chicago, IL 60655. Interment will take place at St. Casimir Cemetery after the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, who always supported the firemen in the middle of a freezing night.

All funeral arrangements entrusted to Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge; For Funeral info, 708-422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.