Richard T. "Dick" Zywica

Richard "Dick" T. Zywica, 86, of Oglesby, died August 11th 2025, in his home surrounded by his family, after an extended illness.
Per Richard's wishes there will be no visitation or services. A private Burial will be at St Hyacinth's Cemetery in LaSalle Il at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded. Arrangements are being entrusted by Shields Funeral Chapel, Oglesby.
Richard was born in Peru to Theodore and Frances Zywica on October, 11th 1938. Richard went to St Joseph's School in Peru where he was an altar boy and then LaSalle-Peru Township High School. Richard enlisted in the United States Navy, in August 1955, where he was then stationed in Bermuda. He had fond memories of his time in the Navy and shared many stories. He got to enjoy island life during peacetime. After the Navy, Richard returned to the Illinois and attended LPO Junior College. Richard worked for Foster Grant in LaSalle-Peru in the lab and then later as a salesman for raw product. Then later with Huntsman where he was able to travel all over the world for work. Richard had lived in Wisconsin, Tennessee, Maryland, then New Mexico before returning to the Illinois Valley in 2019 and resettled in Oglesby. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby.
After 61 years apart, Richard reconnected with his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Linda Querciagrossa, and on October, 1st 2016 they married in Albuquerque, NM.
Richard raised several breeds of dogs in his life but his heart loved Wheaton Terriers and he raised several of them. Later in life Richard and Linda adopted senior dogs and gave them the best homes and spoiled them rotten for the remainder of their days.
Richard is survived but his loving wife, Linda of Oglesby, son Dean (Kathy) Anderson of Tampa Florida, step children, Sue Judge of St Charles, IL, Kathy Padron of Orlando,Fl, Gary Roach of Miami, Bill Roach of Hennepin, Doug Roach of Fort Lauderdale, and Dr James P (Caren) Roach of Parkland, Fl. 1 grandson, 3 great grandchildren. several step grandchildren. Special Friend and caregiver Lorna Sramek and her son Ethan Sramek of Peru and kitty Sapphire.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Francie and Teddy, sister Germaine Zywica Koontz in 2022, a granddaughter and the last of his fur babies, Duncan, Barkley, Miss Kitty and Morrie.
The family would like to thank Christy, Brother Luke and Jenny with OSF Hospice for helping in Richard's care over his last days at home. Your love and compassion will never be forgotten.
Online condolences may be expressed at shieldsfuneralchapel.com