Richard J. Dux

Richard John Dux, age 69, unexpectedly yet peacefully passed away on December 18th, 2022. He was the loving dad of Moira (Phillip Quartana) and Kevin (Allison) Dux; cherished grandfather ("Gman") of Charlize ("Charlie") Quartana and Ivy Dux; and brother of Charlene Zarzycki, Robert Dux, and William Dux. He loved and was loved by his extended family and was a treasured friend, colleague, and coach.
Richard was born on June 5th, 1953, to Robert and Charlotte Dux, in Chicago, Illinois. During his youth, he excelled in academics and athletics alike. He received a Certificate of Outstanding Performance on National Educational Development Tests, was a member of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools and was an Illinois State Scholarship awardee and Certificate of Merit recipient for outstanding performance in the 1971 State Scholarship Program competition. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1971 and received numerous awards for both academic and athletic achievements. He attended Loyola University in Chicago where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and, in 1976, was awarded a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1983 and held a variety of positions in accounting and trade show marketing, and then became owner of an award-winning Subway in downtown Chicago. The restaurant had great success, but his proudest memories were of his loyal customers, dedicated managers, and eye-catching holiday decorations.
Richard was a sports enthusiast and excelled in his own athletic pursuits. Most notably, he was a distinguished water polo player, referee, and coach. His love for the game developed at age 12 when he began playing for the Chicago Park District. There, he participated through the senior men's level, winning several city-wide championships. Richard played NCAA Division I water polo throughout his four years at Loyola University and was named team captain during his junior and senior years. He played in multiple Midwest Conference Championship and NCAA Division I National Championship Tournaments. In 1979, he was selected to participate in the US Olympic Trials (referred to then as the National Sports Festival) for the 1980 team and was named captain of the Midwest team. Unfortunately, the US withdrew from participation in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. In 1981, Richard was selected as a coach for the National Sports Festival Midwest Team. He also spent time coaching at Loyola and Northwestern Universities. At the time of his passing, he was the beloved goalie coach at East Side Water Polo Club and the head boys coach at Niles West High School. His contributions to the game of water polo extend far beyond his advanced skills and accolades, with his greatest impact carrying on through the countless athletes he coached, instilling values and lessons applicable well beyond the pool.
Richard's affinity for the water was not limited to water polo. He was a lifeguard for many years at North Avenue Beach and continued to gather with other alumni guards for annual picnic reunions. He was an avid scuba diver and took frequent trips to Cozumel with some of his closest friends. On what would be his final trip in December of 2022, he was amazed by the abundance of eagle rays he had the privilege of diving among. He was also a lifelong swimmer and even dabbled in ice climbing. Richard loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping trips to Devil's Lake, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and roller blading. His zest for these activities and his attire were legendary, with no shortage of Speedos and spandex and even fanny packs. Whatever he did he went all in.
Richard loved all things food. From his rigorous investigation of the best Italian beef in Chicago (Johnnie's was his favorite), to being a true taco and tamale connoisseur, to honoring and sharing his mom's classic dishes and desserts, to perfecting his own meatball and minestrone recipes. He was also a grill master whose barbeques were as much about bringing people together as they were about devouring the delicious food. Music and concerts, sporting events, movies, festivals, thrilling rides at Great America, celebrations of every kind-even spin parties at the gym-the list of things he enjoyed was endless.
Richard loved life and his passion for fun never dimmed. His memory will live on through his family, his friendships (many spanning 6+ decades), and the countless individuals he coached and impacted in other ways. A celebration of life is being planned for the Summer of 2023.
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