Richard James Makowski

1922 - 2018

Richard James Makowski of Oak Lawn, Illinois, passed away on Oct. 6 at the age of 96. Richard was born on Sept. 30, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Helen and Van Makowski. Beloved husband of Renette, nee Boniecki. Dear father of Rick (Linda) Mack, Gregory (Michelle) Makowski and Andrea (Gregory) Smith. Loving grandfather of Amy, Rebecca, Christopher (Elizabeth) and Megan (Timothy) and great-grandfather of Lillian, Lucas, Nicholas and William. Dear brother of Erv Mack. Also survived by Joseph (Sally) Boniecki and family. An intellectual, self-taught classical guitarist and man of many interests, he obtained a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree in biology from DePaul University. His career spanned many years and involved inspections of many of our nation's bakeries and food-production plants to ensure the best food-safety practices. He continued to read and learn on his own in his later years. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, who remember him most of all for his goodness and kindness. His Catholic faith was very important to him, and he enjoyed singing in his parish choir. He was a faithful friend to many. The visitation will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church; 10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn, IL on Friday, Oct. 12, at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Military honors will be accorded under the auspices of The United States Army and Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, Tuesday, October 16th at 1:00 p.m. in Elwood, IL. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Beverly Ridge Funeral Home. 773-779-4411