Obituary of Richard N. Tessiatore
Richard N. "Dick" Tessiatore
Born December 24, 1926; born to eternal life Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Lightways Hospice Home with loving family by his side.
He was raised in Joliet, a graduate of Washington Grade School, Joliet Township High School Class of 1946 and Joliet Junior College. Dick earned a degree in accounting from Bradley University. A United States Army Veteran who proudly served as a medic, stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He began his accounting career at the Joliet Arsenal where he met Beverly, his lifelong partner with whom he just celebrated 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised a beautiful family, Barbara (James) Huey, R. Daniel Tessiatore, Nancy (Joseph) Dyer and Jeffry (Kimberly) Tessiatore. They are blessed with six wonderful grandchildren, Craig (Kristen) Tessiatore, Sarah (Steven) Foody, Anna Tessiatore, Elizabeth Dyer, Matthew Huey and Claire Dyer. They cherish Emmett Daniel Tessiatore, their first great-grandchild and are expecting their second great-grandchild next month. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Colleen (John) Martin and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Anna Tessiatore; brothers, John (Ruth) Tessiatore, Bernard (Leona) Tessiatore, sister, Carolyn (David) Maltby; in-laws, Angelo and Josephine Ruffatto; nephew, Jack Tessiatore and infant niece, Karen Martin.
Dick, the devoted family man, always put his family first. He loved being with his family and friends at his beloved Kankakee River cottage. He enjoyed fishing, water skiing, swimming, boating and just sitting around the bonfire being together.
He retired from U.S. Steel, Crown Trygg Corp. and the Will County Clerk’s Office.
Dick was a member of the Cathedral of St. Raymond, former school board member of St. Raymond School and a former intramural basketball coach there as well. He was also a board member of the Salvation Army and a volunteer at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Dick was a good man who treasured his faith, family, friends and neighbors. He approached life with optimism and joy. We feel well blessed that he enjoyed a long and fulfilling life. Who could ask for more?
Private services for Richard N. Tessiatore will be held. Interment with honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later time.
Memorials in his name can be made to the Cathedral of St. Raymond School or Lightways Hospice.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
