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Richard Shereikis, 75, of Evanston, died peacefully on March 29, 2013. Graduate of Harper H.S., class of 1955, and the Universities of Northern Illinois (B.A.), Chicago (M.A.), and Colorado (PhD). Professor Emeritus of English Literature at the University of Illinois-Springfield (formerly Sangamon State). Gifted writer, keen editor, dedicated teacher, and all-round athlete. Proud of his Lithuanian heritage, South Side roots, and union activism. Sorely missed by wife Judith, sons John (Sholeh) and Michael (Natasha), daughter Rebecca (Dan), and grandchildren Nicholas, Rachel, and Anya, among many others. Family and friends will gather in May to celebrate Rich's life. Email [email protected] to inquire.
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Inspiring Chesty leader, dedicated family man, athlete, intellectual. He lived this with determination and firmness.
Ron and Brenda Haky
May 17, 2013
As one of his colleagues at what was then Sangamon State University, I remember him well and am stunned by his death. Having no contact with him since I left SSU, I had no idea he had been sick. My thoughts go out to Judy and his children, whom I remember only as cute little children.
April 28, 2013
I always enjoyed time at the Shereikis household growing up. Rich and Judy provided a great atmosphere to visit their son Mike through elementary school. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. We lost my dad last year.
David Witkop
April 16, 2013
I will never forget how Rich and Judy took me under their wing when I was a teenager (and then in my early 20s) in Springfield and made me feel as if I were part of their wonderful family. Rich was my teacher, my advisor (at SSU, now UIS), a colleague of my dad's, my fellow Dickens admirer, my mentor, my student teaching supervisor and my friend. I loved babysitting for the Shereikis kids (and their daughter will forever be one of my best friends in the world) and going on outings with the whole family. I will always be grateful to Rich and Judy for being my second family back in Springfield. Rich had such a distinctive style and could be really funny, too. It's a huge loss.
Nancy Pistorius
April 13, 2013
It was very sad to hear of Rich's passing. Our shared Island community will be a less interesting world without him. Though I can't claim to have known Rich well, our encounters were always great fun and they led me to feel we were kindrid spirits. I always assumed we'd have time to become better friends. I've never lived in Chicago but I imagined Rich to represent all of the admirable and progressive feistiness I associate with that city. He had a lot to say about the world and what he said was always worth listening to.
I had imagined that Rich and Judy would be among those interesting and like minded folks who would populate my island life as we all grew older together. It hadn't really occurred to me that we have grown older. I'll be reminded of Rich when I turn in at night to sleep on one of the mattresses he kindly bequethed to me a few years back.
I'll miss Rich and my heart goes out to Judy.
Dan Baker
Dan Baker
April 13, 2013
Jo Ann and I are sorry to hear of Rich's desth. I was a colleague of his at Sangamon State (now the U of I at Springfield). He was a man of deep feelings and could write about them with eloquence, and a fine Dickens scholar. He'll be missed by many friends.
Norman Hinton
April 12, 2013
He was like an Uncle to me! I'll really miss him. Great intellect, lots of love of life, and never a conformist. RIP. You're an inspiration.
Laura McGough
April 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss, your family is in my prayers
Yolanda Crawford- Rayford
April 11, 2013
One of my warmest memories of Rich was him being a Grandfather to Nicholas. I could sense how much he loved that little guy and it touched my heart.
Tess Sakolsky
April 11, 2013
So grateful to have been family with Rich. I will remember his passion for family and his constant connection with fabulous working class values. He filled up the room with his booming voice and solid presence. May your wonderful memories give you comfort. You are a family of storytellers so his spirit will live on forever.
Vanessa Jackson
April 11, 2013
My condolences. Rich's memory lives on.
Frank Towers
April 11, 2013
The first time I met Rich was in the 4th or 5th grade. He had just moved into the neighborhood and I invited him to come to the school playground after school to play ball with a bunch of other kids. We became the Junior Chestys, a local group of guys named after our older and much admired Chestys. I was honored to be the best man at Rich's wedding and serve as a pall bearer at his mother's funeral. So long, Rich. So long, fellow Chesty.
Bill Schoeneman
April 11, 2013
Pat and Dave Wright and Ranney
April 10, 2013
To the family--I'm very sorry for your less. Rich was my best "buddy" in high school and left behind many good memories--may he rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord.
Alberta Whitty
April 8, 2013
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