Richard Pietrzak (aka Rick), 90, of Melrose Park, Illinois, passed away on April 26, 2024. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Fe, his daughter, Michelle (Tony), and his son, Michael (Katia) as well as 3 grandchildren Michael, Kailey and Oliver. All of those he loved and touched deeply.

Richard Pietrzak was the epitome of a true gentleman. He was a man who would leave you with a lasting impression the moment you met him. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and that you belonged. He was strong, kind and generous who built his life based on his love for his family and his faith.

Richard always had a big smile not matter what and faced everything with positivity. There was no frown he ever encountered that he couldn't reverse and there was no mood he couldn't lighten with his lively anecdotes and improv dad jokes that became grandpa jokes. A natural caregiver at heart, he had such profound care for the people around him, from polite mannerisms at gatherings to reminiscing the small stories in life that people forget to enjoy.

He was a simple man. He loved everyone and is loved by everyone. He exhibits all 5 of the core love languages. Quality time, physical affection, words of affirmation, acts of service, and gift giving. While we grieve the loss of a major source of those love languages, we also celebrate the fact that he displayed his love openly and empathetically for 9 decades. Few get to share his love as passionately as he did and even less people get to do it as long as he did.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Northlake Funeral Home.