Obituary of Richard Leroy Pershey
Richard Leroy Pershey, age 98, of Joliet, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab, Joliet.
Born February 2, 1923 in Joliet, to Martin and Linda (Bartholme) Pershey and was a graduate of Joliet Township High School.
Rich married Rosemary Thayer on July 27, 1946 and they celebrated their 75th anniversary this past July. Their children are Patty, Rick, Jacque, Bill, Debbi, Missy and Paul, and “honorary sons” Joe and Jose. They have 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His parents, and two brothers, Robert and Vern, preceded him in death.
He was proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II with the 2nd Marine Division, as a forward observer and communications specialist working with the code talkers and ship to shore communications. Achieving the rank of Corporal, he spent time in Saipan, Tinian Island and Okinawa, and was one of the first Marines in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped.
Corporal Pershey was especially honored to join his fellow veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC in April, 2013.
Richard worked for the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in LaGrange for 43 years, where he supervised the production of locomotives.
A lifelong member of St. John’s, he was involved in the Holy Name Society, served as an usher, and maintained the clock tower for over 30 years.
He and Rosemary were fortunate to have numerous dear friends throughout their years including their Christmas travelling dinner group, card groups, and the “8 Mass” family to name a few. He was a member of the Joliet RIVALS and the Elks Lodge #296, and the senior bowling team.
For a man who was raised during the Depression, fought under horrific conditions in World War II, and worked hard all his life to provide for his family, he considered himself to be the most fortunate guy in the world. He always said he grew up in the “Golden Age” because each year of his life got better. He appreciated people for who they were, and as long as you were honest and hard-working, you rated high in his eyes. He was a great dad, a lover of nature with a soft spot for animals, and could build and fix anything you gave him. He appreciated the simple things in life and with a good cup of coffee and a doughnut he was good to go. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
His family would like to extend a special thanks to Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab and Kindred Hospice for their loving care the past eight months.
Visitation for Richard Pershey will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 10:30 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 11:30 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
