Richard F. Bukacek

Richard Francis Bukacek passed away February 18, 2025 at the age of 97. Beloved husband of the late Paula for 68 years. Loving father of John, Mary (Paul) Howell, Urban (Sharon Scherer) Djin, Ann, Martin (Sharon Rudnick) Bukacek, Jane (Steve Kaufman) Bukacek, and Sara Bazan. Dear grandfather of 11 (Frank, Mary, Matt, Rick, Anne Mae, Carl, Kristen, Leah, Louis, Chimaway, and Casmali) and great-grandfather of 18 (Cammie, Cailey, Lilly, Alyssa, Teddy, Mikhaila, Raina, Jewell, Luke, Jack, Maggie, Rosemary, Joey, Max, Hope, Damian, Kane, and Cyrus). Richard received a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of Iowa in 1949. In 1951 he received a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Gas Technology degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1960 he received a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was a Senior Staff Engineer with Air Products and Chemicals, 1961-1962. He was appointed Chairman of the Education Program of the Institute of Gas Technology in 1963. He worked as Associate Planning Engineer at Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America in 1974. He worked as a Liquefied Natural Gas consultant in a variety of countries. After his career in the gas industry, Richard and his beloved wife Paula founded All Day Montessori in 1995 in Beverly which has served the neighborhood they loved. He was also a Mentor, Artist, Writer, and Friend. He was passionate in working with Paula to enrich the lives of Children. He often expressed his gratitude to those who have served on the All Day Montessori Board of Directors, who have kept Paula's Mission alive. The Family would like to thank the fine employees at Smith Village and Elara Caring Hospice for providing outstanding Care and Service to Richard in his final days. Richard was a devout Catholic, together with his wife Paula, Richard taught the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Saint Barnabas. Memorial Mass Saturday, May 31st at St. Barnabas Church (Time Pending). Donations in his memory may be made to All Day Montessori 1819 West 99th. St. Chicago, Il 60643. Arrangements entrusted to Donnellan Funeral Home. For info (773) 238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com