Obituary of Richard J. Cremeens

Richard J. Cremeens

2/23/1955 - 8/25/2017

Our dearest Richard answered his call into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father too soon after the death of his beloved mother Helen.  He was met with the loving embrace of his parents, Clarence “Bus” and Helen Cremeens, his best friend and brother, Tim Cremeens and big brother Tom Cremeens whom he always looked up to.  Many other family and friends greeted him as he was welcomed through the Gates of Heaven.

Richard unselfishly helped care for his mother in the final years of her life whenever needed and just five days after her passing he joined her in everlasting life.

Those left to grieve his sudden passing are his son, Christopher Cremeens; stepdaughter, Danielle (Shaun) Kennedy; brothers, Michael (Ann) Cremeens, James (Judy) Cremeens; sisters, Mary Ann (Marty) Mudron, Maureen (Thomas) Cercone; his twin sister, Katherine along with 17 nieces and nephews and 38 great nieces and great nephews.

Richard always had concern and compassion for all. First and foremost, he was a loving father to Christopher and Danielle.  He would say that his greatest accomplishment and joy was being a father.

Richard recently retired and was navigating a world without deadlines.  He was also finding his way after being a primary caregiver to his mother Helen.  His passion was his family. He was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. All children loved Richard, especially his great nieces and nephews.  Richard would play baseball, football or peek-a-boo.  He knew the value of quality time with our precious next generation. 

Richard helped countless clients in his role as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the Will County Mental Health Department.  He focused many years of his career on the vulnerable children and adolescents who needed his expertise and guidance. He would work all day and be out on call in the evening in Emergency Departments across Will County getting the right care at the right time for those in need.

Richard was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and horse racing fan. He was able to see the Cubs win the World Series!  He was waiting for a repeat of the 1985 Bears Super Bowl win, so he will need to watch that from heaven with his Dad.  Our Kentucky Derby parties were yet another opportunity for Richard to enjoy his family.

A lifelong Joliet resident, Richard graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1973. He received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Lewis University, Romeoville, IL in 1977, and a Masters Degree in Education and Guidance/Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky in 1986.

While attending Lewis University on a wrestling scholarship, Richard was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

He delighted in seeing joy in others. Richard’s smile and humor was infectious and he was everyone’s friend. He was a man of faith; a humble, kind, funny, gentle, educated and adored man.

Funeral services for Richard J. Cremeens will be Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet.  Private family interment will follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the wishes of the family would be appreciated.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com