Rick Riffel

Age 66 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Joliet, Illinois, died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born October 28, 1957 in Joliet, Ricky Bernard was the son of Bernard and Mary Jane (Miller) Riffel. He was raised in Plainfield, where he attended St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield and graduated from Plainfield High School with the Class of 1976. On October 3, 1987, Rick married Cindy Ann Pellegrini at St. Mary Immaculate Church, and together they would make their home in Joliet until relocating to Coal City in the early 2000's.

He worked for Crane Composites as a material handler for over 28 years until he retired this past summer. Rick took great pleasure in being outdoors, especially at the Coal City Area Club. He enjoyed fishing and going for walks with his dogs who were very near and dear to his heart. Rick was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and loved to ice skate when the opportunity presented itself. He was a kind and sociable person who could carry a conversation with anyone he met, and was well known for his excellent sense of humor. There was nothing that gave him more joy than that of being and loving and devoted husband and father.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Cindy Riffel, and his son, Ricky Riffel, both of Coal City; three sisters: his twin, Cindy (Bob) Gates of Princeton, Illinois, Connie (Paul) Striet of Aurora, Illinois, and Debbie (Ed) Glavan of Joliet; brothers and sisters-in-law: Don (Ruth) Pellegrini of Steger, Illinois, Brenda Pellegrini of Florida, and Tina (Gary) Gordon, Sandra (Shelby) Little, and Michael (Tammy) Pellegrini, all of Kentucky; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his canine companions: Dakota, Bella, and Nikita.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his mother and father-in-law.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of IL Route 113), in Coal City on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rick's memory to an animal shelter of the donor's choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Rick's memorial page via social media.

Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.