Richard E. Jancy

Richard E. Jancy, 77, of Oak Park, Ill., passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Ill.

Rich was born on Dec. 31, 1945, to Emil and Helen Jancy in Chicago.

After Rich graduated from Gage Park High School in 1964, he went on to study at the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in architecture.

His schooling was put on hold while he joined the U.S. Navy based out of Glenview, Ill., and when his unit was activated, he was based at Naval Air Station, Lemoore, Calif. His unit served on the USS Ticonderoga, Guardian of Freedom from late 1968 until October of 1969 off the shore of Vietnam.

He worked for Loebl, Schlossman & Hackl in Chicago and for Home Depot as a kitchen designer until his retirement. During his retirement, one of his favorite hobbies was photography and being a tour guide for the Frank Lloyd Wright annual spring house walk.

In 1967, he met Carol Arndt of St. Joseph and they were married on Aug. 21, 1968, at Trinity Lutheran in St. Joseph. They had lived in the Oak Park area since 1974. Rich is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, and his beloved rescued dog, Cleo, a boxer/collie mix.

He is predeceased by his father, mother and brother, Ken.

A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Info: www.zimmermanharnett.com.