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Rick Casares Obituary
The Bears reported on their website that he died at his home in Tampa, Fla., on Friday.
A five-time Pro Bowl pick and a member of the 1963 championship team, Casares played 10 seasons in Chicago and ran for 5,675 yards. He was the Bears' all-time leading rusher until Walter Payton surpassed him and currently ranks third.
Casares also played for Washington in 1965 and Miami in 1966 and starred at the University of Florida.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
108 Entries
Frank Stathopoulos
December 16, 2018
All of Greece loves you, Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
September 14, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Rick, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Louis
January 13, 2015
I can't believe it has been over a year since we had spoken. I think of you during the winter recalling how you would tell me " I can't wait to come up to New York when it snows" I smile while I'm out there shoveling.
You were a great friend and are still sorely missed. Rest In peace my friend.
How you can show support
Edmond Glaun
September 27, 2014
I remember back in 1965 at uncle Harry aunt Helens house
Near wilmette Illinois having dinner and Rick was there at that time I was told we were cousins, at that time I was 5 years old. I was always told stories about Rick by my grand mother God rest her soul, about all our relatives in Greece. Rick you have been an inspiration in my life and oddly enough I work by Halas hall.
You will greatly missed.
September 13, 2014
To a great man and even better friend, I can't believe you have been gone for a year. Happy anniversary in heaven
JAMES LACHERZA
August 23, 2014
Cousin Rick:
I was young when you came back to visit uncles George and Carmen Christmas was great when you came in the living room and threw $20.00 bills at us cousins while we slept on the floor...........Linda and I will never forget coming to Tampa to visit and you and Polly took us to the dog track...you were great and always will fill a special part in our hearts.RIP
March 29, 2014
Rick's name crossed my mind so I went on-line to see if there was any information about him and discovered he had passed. As an out-of-state student from Virginia at the University of Florida in September 1951, it didn't take long to find out who was the most popular man on the campus. It was Rick. Although I never had a chance to meet him, his presence was felt everywhere. I remember that 1949 light blue Buick that he owned. It was mostly visible parked near the dormitory where the football players lived but occasionally I would see him driving around with Joe-Joe D'Agostino riding shotgun. Of course he was fun to watch him playing football or basketball and he was a real asset to the Gators. Years later, in 1965, when I was living in northern Virginia, I went to a Washington Redskins - Chicago Bears football game and saw Rick play for the Redskins. It was good seeing Rick in person again. It was not a good night for Rick and I left the stadium sad. Rick paid his dues in life as exemplified by the remarks in this guest book. I wish I had met somewhere along the way.
James Payne
Federal Way, WA
gregg bingham
December 29, 2013
while i didnt know rick,i grew up in chicago and watched him all the time during his career wiith the bears ...and ended up following him into the NFL myself ... meaning you never know who`s life you thouch when your out there
RIP rick
Louis
November 14, 2013
I can't begin to say what a great man Rick was. I am proud and honored to have known him and call him my friend. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again. What a tremendous loss for everyone. My deepest condolences to Polly and the rest of the family.
Robert Joe Casares
September 27, 2013
I followed Ricks career as I was growing up. My father wanted to name me Rick but he knew it would be a big burden for me. Rick was my Dads and my hero.
Rest in piece
Dick Turkjel
September 26, 2013
Ihad the fortune to play w/ Rick at Jefferson on the Basketball team and track. He was a good friend and has given memoriesI will never forget.
RIP rick
John Richard
September 23, 2013
I never met you Rick and I am just one of your many old time fans. You were however one of my childhood heroes. Just found out about your death today (9-23-13) and I am saddened because a piece of me, and/or my life, has passed on also. May GOD bless and keep you Mr. Casares.
September 20, 2013
My deepest condolences to Rick's wife, family, and friends. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Rick
The Jefferson High Alumni
September 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Rick.
Mikey and Janice Kelly
September 19, 2013
Rick and I played against each other in high school but became teammates at UF. He was and still is still considered one of the all time greats at UF. I followed his career wHen he played with the Bears and he was a member of our Golden Era Gators.mrest in peace my friend! You will be missed.
Don Payne
September 19, 2013
Met Rick during Polly and my High School
Class Reunions. Every subsequent Reunion;I've looked forward to seeing him,talking Football and discussing
memories from the past, Being the same
age, we clicked instantly. what a great
guy..absolutely unforgetable!..Sure will be missed. Sincere condolences
to my friend Polly & family.
September 19, 2013
I was a 22 year old free agent defensive end from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN, in the summer of 1966 at the Miami Dolphins training camp. Mostly, the defensive players hung out together. But one day on the bus that took us to the practice field, Rick Caseres sat down next to me. I was pretty much in awe, but he set me at ease immediately. He didn't really know anyone either, and over the next several weeks while I was in camp we had several conversations on a range of topics, mostly football and life in the NFL. He treated me like a person instead of nobody rookie free agent. He probably never even noticed when I got cut from the team, but his decency to me made a huge impression and I never forgot it. Meeting him was the highlight of my time with the Dolphins. He was a terrific professional and a good guy who, unlike many of the highly paid rookies back then,had his head on straight and knew how to treat people.
I want to extend my sympathies to the family on their loss.
Mike Collins
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Ronald LaCanfora
September 19, 2013
Blue skies tropical waters serene sunsets
Jack Stewart
September 18, 2013
I had the honor to meet Rick at Jefferson in 1965. He taught me how to punt a football. Thanks for the memories, Rick. You certainly made football more exciting. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jack Stewart
Jaime FirstBorn
September 18, 2013
Mr Casares, your legacy is an Inspiration. R.I.P Sir
m b
September 18, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cynthia
September 18, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Denise
September 18, 2013
May God comfort the family and friends during this time of grief. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there will be tears of happiness.
Terry Milicevic
September 17, 2013
I knew Rick while we were students at Florida. He was very popular, both as a person and as an outstanding athlete. Thanks for the memories, Rick. You certainly made football and basketball games exciting. Rest in peace.
George Lacherza
September 17, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Polly and aunt Vivian. RIP and say hello to my Dad "uncle Turk" God Bless
September 17, 2013
From your long time friend. I will miss you.
Nick DiMaggio
September 17, 2013
When I was about eight years old (1961), my Dad ha a football jersey made for me for my 1st Holy Communion . . . the number he had on it was 35 . . . I was a fan of Rick's until he retired! Great inspiration! RIP, Rick!
September 17, 2013
You made my life following your career a real pleasure. I'll never forget you. Rest in peace my friend.
Dr. Joe Spoto
Chris Lacherza
September 17, 2013
May you be at peace now and you will always be remembered by our family - my dad loved you as his own son - Rick was a great man "Gentle Giant" the Chicago Bears were lucky to have you 0 I remember the "Shaving Commercials" on television and could not believe this was our cousin - from our family to yours our deepest condolences. You will be missed
George Lipp
September 17, 2013
My parents knew Rick when they were students at UF. They always said he was a remarkable person and athlete. I probably met him when I was a baby. You go Gator!
T. P.
September 17, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. Losing someone is never easy. But God has promised us he will rid us of the sting of death. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
September 17, 2013
Many Condolences to Rick's family in your loss. I did not know Rick but had heard of him and watched him play football & his many accomplishments. I am an entertainer in the area and remember him ocming to one of places I played and when he asked for a song that I played for him, he showed such great appreciation for the song and shook my hand, something I will always remember.
Sincerely, Johnny Charro
Cynthia Arango Anderson
September 17, 2013
Rest in peace.
TINA
September 17, 2013
MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. MAY YOU DRAW COMFORT FROM GOD'S WORD FOR IT IS A HEALING TO US. PHILIPPIANS 4:7.
September 17, 2013
Rest in peace Rick...find Lou the Greek and get a card game started. I will cherish those memories when you would join the group at my house on Tuesday evenings. You were a kind, gentle soul with a wonderful heart. God Bless you and your family as they will need His strength to get through this hard time. My prayers go out to Polly and his family.
Denise of Tampa, FL
Wynelle Gilbert
September 17, 2013
To the Family. I was glad to read Rick was sitting at his desk figuring odds when the call came to make his journey to heaven and surely he has. I only had the pleasure of meeting him twice but was overwhelmed by this big bear of a man being so sweet and soft spoken. He had such a great appreciation for even the smallest things. You have my heartfelt sympathies in your loss but we, too, have lost a true Jefferson Dragon who never forgot us, always gave JHS credit. Thank you for sharing him with the world. He was greatly loved and admired. Bless you all with God's guidance to get thru this sad time.
Wynelle Gilbert, JHS '44
Curator, JHS Alumni Museum at Waters
Florencio Briones
September 17, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the Casares family. I am 60 years old, so by the time I started paying attention to the NFL Mr. Casares was not playing that much. My brother, who was 16 years older than me, told me about the great Rick Casares. My brother was a big fan of Rick. In my brother's eyes there were three great running backs, Jim Brown, Jim Taylor, and Rick Casares. Rest in peace, Rick.
Kristine Adcock
September 17, 2013
Always a winner in my heart!!
Analisa Laws
September 17, 2013
My prayers and love are with the Casares family through this great loss. He will be greatly missed. Stay strong Uncle Ernie! I love you.
September 17, 2013
Rick was a casual friend and I never got to thank him for saving my bacon once in Tampa. I feel the families sorrow my condolences and God bless him- really great man. Ron Martino,Sr, Tampa,fl
S L
September 17, 2013
Our condolences to the family who knew Mr. Casares best and who will miss him most, thank you for sharing his incredible life with so many his legacy will live on. john 17:3.
George Miles
September 17, 2013
Bear nation may your soul rest in peace
verna
September 17, 2013
Mr. Casares had a great career and a blessed long life. I know the family and friends will miss him greatly. We all look forward to the time when death will be no more as mention at Revelation 3:1-4. Until then may Mr. Casares sleep in peace.
Staff of Gonzalez Funeral Home
September 17, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family and friends. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Those were the days!
Patrick McDonald
September 17, 2013
I only knew “Good Old Number 35” Rick Casares in the background of my life, but what a role he played. I have a dear friend in Chicago who was a fellow traveler, business partner and best friend to Rick for the years of his playing days, and this old friend revels in the stories and memories of his and Rick's time together. He was very much saddened by Rick's passing, it was as if another element of his life and era had been plucked away, but inevitably it would lead to another story of their bonding and revelry. All is well with memories.
As a life-long Chicago Bears fan, I was able to connect correspond with Rick through his old Chicago friend, and have him sign a couple things (his autographed football card is one of my “good luck” rabbit foots I carry with me when the Bears have an important game). But my favorite piece is a glossy black and white photo, showing Rick and his old pal's mother – who helped Rick get into a business. It is inscribed, “To Pat, Those were the Days! Rick Casares '35' Chicago Bears.” I treasure that photo.
To the family, condolences from Chicago, his past to the present. We revel in the gift of his life. Richard Joseph Casares...Those Were the Days.
Patrick McDonald
Chicago, Illinois
Gwendolyn Henderson
September 16, 2013
My condolences to the Casares Family.
Gwen Henderson, JHS '82, JHS Alumni Assoc.
RED
September 16, 2013
Thanks for all the memories while with the Chicago Bears. Undoubtedly one of the toughest guys to ever lace 'em up. R.I.P. #35
Sherry M. Verner
September 16, 2013
My Dad played football with Rick during the Golden Era at Fla.
My Dad was Red Mitchum.
I enjoyed seeing Rick every yr. at the football reunions at Plantation , Fla. He was always so, thoughtful and kind. He will be missed by many who, loved and knew him well.
Eg
September 16, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emily Varnom Hudson
September 16, 2013
My good friend took me as a young teenager to the Gator games in Gainsville,FL in the early fifties. Rich Casares wa a star and a favorite as well as an excellent player. I remember him well. Ia m 76 now.
September 16, 2013
What a life Mr. Casares lived. May the precious memories of the family and friend comfort you at this time. And remember, God is for us a refuge and strength, a help thie is there be found during difficult times. May God provide you with peace and comfort at this time. Psalm 62:8
Sincerely, Dee
Elaine Barnes
September 16, 2013
To my dear friend, Polly. Rick will be sorely missed by all, and I will miss our chats about the Bucs and the Rays. He always had time for a word with me. May he rest in peace, and may the peace of God be with you. Elaine Barnes
Sheree Figueredo
September 16, 2013
My prayers are with you and your family, Polly. I have a picture of him holding me when I'm about 18 months old at my grandma Laura's house on Davis Island, I will treasure it forever. I even remember telling you, before you married him, "that I was going to grow up and marry him". I loved him like he was my father. I know that my father gave his last smile to him. He was one of a kind - RIP Rick.
David Shives, Sr
September 16, 2013
It has been my pleasure to have known Rick. We met at a Family Special Occasion in nineteen and eighty-eight. He was and will always be a "Giant" of a man,Rick(RIP). Polly and to the family, May God give you comfort. God Bless
September 16, 2013
Thanks for so Many great memories, and so many thrills at Wrigley Field. My condolences to your family. Vern Naden
Mary Catharine Black Dubowski
September 16, 2013
You were a relative of my best friends Olga Valdez Antinori and Norma Valdez Hallem and always heard of you in admoration Condolance to your family
September 16, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Casares and her family.
As a youngster growing up in the Detroit area in the early 50's, I remember vividly the bruising Chicago Bears running back who battled our Detroit Lions. Many of us in the Greek community thought Rick was of Greek descent, so even though he was an opponent, we still felt he was one of us. It was not until a few years later did we learn otherwise,yet that did not deter us from still rooting for him.
Rick has left a lasting legacy that his family will always cherish.
"May His Memory Be Forever Eternal"
Gus Pantelides
Clearwater,FL
Michael Goss
September 16, 2013
Became a fan of the Chicago Bears and Rick at age 5; something stuck out about him on that 1958 football card. Growing up in Maryland, my mom and dad took me to the Baltimore Colts-Bears game in November 1962 for my 9th birthday. The Bears demolished the Colts 57-0, Rick scored a touchdown. My mom sent him a letter that evening, describing how he made my birthday special. Still a Bears fan! God must have needed a new fullback. Rest in peace!
John J Flood
John Flood
September 16, 2013
Rick was a class guy - a privilege to know him - He would treat a shoe shine boy as he would a millionaire- Good memories - Requiescat in Pace, ol' friend
John J Flood
Cook County Police Department ( RET)
Cesar, Betty & Cheryl Rodriguez
September 16, 2013
The largest gentlest man that ever lived will be missed but we have great memories forever.
Pat Migliaccio
September 16, 2013
Had the honor and pleasure of knowing Rick in Paterson,NJ....Never forgot us, always welcomed us. Condolences to his sister Vivian, cousin Linda and other members of his family.
Nancy Worrell
September 16, 2013
Rest in Peace, Rick.
September 16, 2013
I was lucky to have Rick as a neighbor for the past 6 1/2 years. He was a wonderfully kind man and helped me many times. He will be forever missed.
Nancy Worrell- Tampa, Florida
September 16, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Rebekah Flenner
September 16, 2013
I dont know who this is. at all. but im screaming prayers to his family from Morgan City, Louisiana all the way to Tampa ,Florida. •restinparadiserick•
Joe Brown
September 16, 2013
Rick...The nicest and most thoughtful man I ever met. Mary and I will miss you tons...Thanks for all the wonderful memories! God Bless.
Joe and Mary
September 16, 2013
Polly, we are sorry for your loss but are comforted by the rich memories of you and Rick.
God bless you and your family.
Mondy & Judy Flores
September 16, 2013
I would like to express my condolences to you on the loss of your loved one. May you allow the peace of God to comfort you during this time of need. (Philippians 4:6,7)
Harman Jones
September 16, 2013
I was privileged to play high school football at Lakeland and Plant against the greatest, most talented, hardest hitting player of that era. I followed Rick as a student to The University of Florida where he excelled at football and basketball. What a great loss, heaven's gain. We will miss you, Rick.
tom bates
September 16, 2013
He was the first running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season in the NFL
September 16, 2013
Growing up in Jacksonville Beach Florida in the 1950's and 60's I became a Rick Casares and Bear fan because the ladies who ran the bakery at the Beach were from Chicago, and, through them, i discovered my Aunt Mildred once dated Rick at UF. She sent me the Bears' address, and i wrote Rick. He sent me back an autographed picture of himself and a Bear team photo. Because of this act of kindness I have remained a Bear and Casares fan for over 50 years! A true class act, and one of our greatest athletes, R.I.P Rick Casares! WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR HAVING YOU AMONG US.
Olga Oquendo
September 16, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May God be of comfort and strength during this difficult time. John 16.22
G. Freeman
September 16, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jill
September 16, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all fond memories stay close to your hearts. Psalms 46:1
john
September 16, 2013
what a great bear. gave us so much fun at the games sorry for the families loss...........
Rich Caravia
September 16, 2013
When I was a young boy, I idolized Mr. Casares as a Bear's fan. If I remember his number was 35. The number I always wanted to wear. One might see the similarity in my name and my vision was always to be like him.
Joe Severino
September 16, 2013
Rick, one of the nicest, most gentle man I have had the privilege to know, soft spoken and kind. Our loss is Heavens gain.
D. Burgess
September 16, 2013
No bond is stronger than that of a loving family. Cherish each day you spent with Rick. He was a mentor for many for that we are thankful.
DB; New Jersey
DROBNAK MICHAEL
September 16, 2013
A true Bear. RIP
DDtallings
September 16, 2013
My condolences to family and friends.Very sorrow for the loss of your love one
Lestert Mason
September 16, 2013
I remember how great he was as a running back, and how he inspired me and others to be the best we could be in football. I know his family misses him greatly.
Joe Severino & Family
September 16, 2013
Rick, you were always a gentleman, soft spoken and it was a pleasure to be in your presence. You are Heavens Gain and our loss. Joe Severino and Family.
September 16, 2013
My condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort from the peace of God during this time of sorrow-Phillipians 4:6, 7. E.D. Park Forest, IL.
P M
September 16, 2013
Sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort provide you with the power beyond what is normal to cope with the loss of Mr. Casares.
Bankston
September 16, 2013
We offer our condolences to the Casares family and friends. may the "God of all Comfort" be with you in the days ahead.
G. Johnson
September 16, 2013
We have lost several members of those great Chicago Bears teams,i.e. Harlon Hill and now Rick. So many memories from that era.
Bryan Casares
September 16, 2013
One of the all time greatest Chicago Bears !!! And he was a great boxer also R.I.P
September 16, 2013
Sorry for your loss may the God who cares give you the strength to endure. Php 4:6,7
Walter Jakubin
September 15, 2013
Had the pleasure of watching Mr Casares play with the mighty Bears teams, a brusing runner who would be great even in today's era. My deepest condolences to the Casares family and may this great man rest in piece.
Rick Kerin
September 15, 2013
I began to follow sports, especially football, around 1960--when I was ten years old. Mr. Casares was the first famous person I knew of who was also called Rick, and I remember the great '63 Bears and their championship season. By all accounts not only a great athlete but also a fine man. My condolences to all.
Stephen Yelich
September 15, 2013
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to
the family.
I just talked to him, with in the last few weeks several times.
Had so many enjoyable moments together
in the 1950's and '60s.
He was a remarkable human being and one of my dearest friends.
chas
September 15, 2013
Rest in peace, and God bless. You were one of the best.
PETE CULLEN
September 15, 2013
Sorry to learn of Rick Casares passing he was a great running back for the Bears in the 1960s.My condolences to the family!
Walt Nowak
September 15, 2013
A crushing and powerful Fullback.A great model of Chicago Bear history.
Jim Sanseverino
September 15, 2013
In life you don't meet many men who are tough guy yet really care about other people. What is said about his ferociousness and tenacity on the field during his years with the Chicago Bears is far from the man off the field. A “Superman” with a heart that matched his size. I am glad to have had the privilege to know him as I did. Rest in peace Rick
Dwayne Bickham
September 15, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
G. Costella
September 15, 2013
A name from the past, with many football memories. RIP Rick.
September 15, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolence.One day soon death will be no more.(Revelstion 21:4)
Jerry Schultz
September 15, 2013
Thank you for all of your great runs.
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