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Richard Christoff Obituary

Richard Wayne Christoff, 64, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on November 29, 2014, while on a family vacation in California surrounded by his loved ones. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Loyola University School of Law. Richard was an accomplished pianist and loved sharing his enthusiasm for music with his family and friends. Among his many other interests were travel, watching old horror and French detective movies, completing the NY Times crossword puzzle, sampling wines and cheeses, experimenting with unique cuisine, biking, and making people laugh at his expense. Richard always loved Chicago and was thrilled that his children chose to stay in the area where he saw them often. Richard was a dedicated attorney at the Law Offices of Sanford Kahn, Ltd. He began each day with a smile on his face and devoted his life to ensuring that his family and friends shared his happiness. Richard is survived by his wife Mary, his children Matthew, Anna, and Erin, his mother Adelle, and sisters Pamela (Ronald) Volkoff and Deborah (Michael) Cullen. A private memorial for family and friends is planned for Sunday. Because of his love of music, donations can be made in his name to Foundations of Music, 209 W Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Christoff

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Skylar Ellen Blue

March 28, 2024

It's been almost ten years since Rich passed. I still smile every time I think of him. And I still smile when I talk to my dearest friend/cousin Mary. Wonderful people. I can still hear Rich's distinctive laugh!

Mick Butorac

May 20, 2020

Mary. Don't know if you'll remember me. I was one of Richs' roommate in Urbana. Met you there. We did some recordings in Chicago around the same time. Loved his humor and he was the best pianist I ever worked with. We recorded some original music at the art institute of Atlanta. God Bless

Ginger dakib

December 26, 2016

Dear Mary Beth,
I was on the Internet looking for a way to reconnect again with the two of you. I am deeply saddened to hear of Rich's death. The two of you were the nicest couple ever!!! You must miss him enormously. Please reach out to me. I included my email address. Your buddy from the past, Ginger

September 29, 2016

I'm so sorry I just today learned of Richard's passing.

He was a fine lawyer and an even better gentleman.

It was an honor to know the man.

My condolences to his Family and friends.

Steven Koukios, Esq

Linda Koza Husum

February 7, 2015

Condolence to the family. I only knew Richard through his sister Debbie. When we were teens he would practice in the basement and we would go down and listen to "The Band". Again my condolences.

Susan Basile-Panfil

December 29, 2014

I went to St. Columba grade school with Richard in Hegewisch. He was part of a group of several friends through high school. My thoughts and prayers to your family.

BoB Simons

December 14, 2014

Dear Mary and family, I played with Rich in Montage in the early 70s and was the bassist/lawyer, from whom Rich got the idea to go to law school (I also went to Loyola). As my own wife just passed in October, I understand how you feel and wish you and your loved ones the best. Please accept my condolences. BoB Simons

December 8, 2014

I have worked worked with Rich for 15 years, he will be missed. My condolence to the family at this time. You will be in my prayers.

Dave Nozicka

December 8, 2014

I have worked with Erin and she is a testament to the fine man her father was. The Christoff family is in our prayers

Henry Gurion

December 8, 2014

Very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. We were classmates at U of I and I have many great memories of listening to his great keyboard work including a gig at the revolving Holiday Inn lounge on Lake Shore Drive. Condolences from Henry & Jo.

December 7, 2014

From classmates of Rich's - Mendel 1968
Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Chris Narbone

December 5, 2014

Dear Christoff Family,

I work at the Lake County Circuit Clerks Office & had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Christoff for many years. He always had a smile on his face & always stopped to say hello when he saw me. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. May God provide you with the comfort & peace you need during this time & always.

Sharen Watson

December 5, 2014

Zeman Homes & Mobile Management sends are deepest sympathy. We will truly miss working with Rich.

December 5, 2014

East Lake Management sends there sincere sympathy to the christoff family . We will miss working with him.

Robert Bogs

December 5, 2014

I was saddened to learn of Rich's passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family. I still can not believe he is gone. He will be missed by many.

December 5, 2014

To the Christoff Family, We want to send our deepest condolences and our heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lincolnwood & Lincoln Square Medical Staff

G Rich

December 5, 2014

I extend my condolences for your loss. May God wipe every tear from your eyes.

December 5, 2014

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort you and the family during you time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76

December 5, 2014

We are truly saddened by his passing....a wonderful friend and person. Love and prayers go out to his family and colleagues.

Mary Jeanne Juzwiak

December 5, 2014

Anna-Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your father.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers

Karen Rocco

December 5, 2014

Dear Mary & Family,
I had the greatest pleasure of working with Rich for 10 years. He was absolutely one of the greatest men I have come to know. We used to talk about football & baseball quite often. He will always hold a special place in my heart, I feel truly honored for knowing him, he will be missed . My thoughts & prayers are with you and your entire family!

Michael & Sharen Watson

December 4, 2014

We have had the Honor of knowing Rich for over 30 years. He was truly a wonderful man. Those we hold closet to our hearts never truly leave us, they live on in the kindness they have shared, and the love and friendship they have brought to our lives. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our Prayers are with you. Michael & Sharen Watson

Judy Mahoney

December 4, 2014

Richard was my cousin - the only boy in our family and special in every way. I looked up to him growing up. He was so smart to me and played a Mean piano! He was warm and easy to talk to. I will miss him.

December 4, 2014

I had the pleasure of knowing Rich for over 30 years. Seeing Rich in the hallways of the Daley Center would always brighten my day because I knew that our conversation would soon turn to music. He was a wonderful man. I'll certainly miss him.

- Michael Pardys

stuart handler

December 4, 2014

A wonderful attorney and, especially, a wonderful man. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

David Yanoff

December 4, 2014

As an attorney and colleague I saw Rich in court almost every day for the last 19 years. He was a great legal mind who's work did much to shape our legal practice today. He was fun to chat and joke with, and also to discuss legal issues with. I will miss him.

December 4, 2014

To the Christoff family - so many years full of wonderful memories.....we are thinking of you all and know that you are surrounded by his love.
Kerry and Mark Steward

Jacob and Sherry Sharp

December 4, 2014

Dear Anna and the entire Christoff family, We want to send our deepest condolences to all of your family. We know you are surrounded by love and the support of each other. May your fathers love stay with you forever.

Don and Sue Juzwiak

December 4, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christoff family. We shared a wonderful evening on Richard's birthday while visiting Chicago, enjoying the music that he loved, and getting to know this special man. May the love of God, and the comfort of friends and family, surround you in the days to come.

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