Richard Cholewa

Richard M. Cholewa, 95, of Glenview, IL, passed away peacefully during the night on July 11, 2025. Richard was born in Chicago, IL on May 31, 1930 to the late Sebastian and Sophia Cholewa.
He began school at St Helen's and later transferred to St Hyacinth for his elementary years. He went to Lane Tech High School where he was a member of the Polish, Slide Rule and College Algebra clubs. He graduated with honors in 1948 and went on to college to continue his education. He was a graduate student at IIT when he was drafted to serve in the US Army Reserves for the Korean War. As a chemistry major, he was put to work as a Water Supply Specialist until he was honorably discharged in October of 1961.
Richard spent his bachelor years working as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry at Regis Technologies in Morton Grove. He was a proud member of the American Youth Hostels and enjoyed long distance cycling and downhill skiing. He was an avid folk dancer and it was during a folk dance event that he met his beloved wife, Anna. They married on February 19, 1978 and together raised their two children, Angela and Michael, in Glenview, IL.
Richard was deeply involved in his children's lives as a devoted dad. As a sports enthusiast, he coached both of them in soccer and baseball. When he wasn't officially coaching, he would record their games from the sidelines on his 1990s VHS camcorder. He showed unwavering support and pride for his children in all aspects of their lives. His sincere interest and effort to help everyone around him was powerful and tangible.
Richard fully lived out his later years traveling with his wife and riding his bike around the neighborhood until the age of 93. He would often log over 1000 miles of cycling in a year. Richard's loving kindness, stories and warm hugs will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife Anna (nee Signorino); father to Angela (Matt) Gagnon and Michael Cholewa; loving grandfather to Willa and Josie Gagnon.
Visitation Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home 1104 N. Waukegan Road, Glenview, IL 60025 (parking is in the rear of the building with additional parking available directly south of the funeral home at Heinen's Grocery Store). Mass Friday, July 18, 2025 10am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1775 Grove Street Glenview, IL 60025. Inurnment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs.