Obituary of Richard William Dernulc
Richard William Dernulc passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Villa Franciscan Nursing Home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on July 21, 1938, the son of the late William F. and Rose C. (nee Horvat) Dernulc.
Richard was a lifelong area resident, born in Joliet and raised in Rockdale. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Governors State University. Dick was stationed at Wheeler Air Force base in Hawaii, while his best friend, Jerry Ramanousky served in the Navy. The best friends went on to marry sisters, Cecilia and Carole, after returning to Rockdale. Richard went on to work for the Joliet Arsenal and retired as the Division Chief of Telecommunications with Hines Veterans Administration. He was an avid college basketball fan as well as a later in life was a fan of watching golf. Richard loved to exercise and was often to be found climbing the flights of stairs at St. Joe’s Hospital, but the way to his heart was peanut M&M’s, popcorn, or chocolate of any kind. When asked how he was, anyone who knew him expected to hear back “TERRIFIC”!
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Cecilia (nee Darguzis) Dernulc; son, Douglas Dernulc; daughter, Kristine (Michael) Buttacoli; and his grandchildren, and Katherine, Nicholas, and Emma Buttacoli. He is also survived by his two brothers, Jim (Betty) Dernulc, and Philip (Sarah) Dernulc; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Richard William Dernulc will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, to St. Joseph Church, 1329 Belleview Ave., Rockdale, IL, where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville with military honors held under the auspices of the United States Air Force. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice and Skilled Nursing or Villa Franciscan, 210 N Springfield Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435.
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 an online condolence.
