Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Lesniak Obituary
Mar. 29, 1939 - Oct. 1, 2023
SCHERERVILLE, IN - Richard J. Lesniak Sr., age 84, of Schererville, IN, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 surrounded by family.
Born in East Chicago, IN on March 29, 1939, to the late Benjamin J. Lesniak and Helen (Gajda) Lesniak, Richard is survived by his wife, Janice (Kmiecik); four children: Linda Kiefer (Charles) of Centennial, CO, Karen Tracy (Gregory) of Galloway, OH, Richard Lesniak, Jr. (Tamera) of Scottsdale, AZ and John Michael Lesniak (Eliza) of Singapore; five grandchildren: Charlie and Michael Kiefer, Rory and Sean Tracy, and Ariana Lesniak; his brother, John Lesniak (Janice, deceased) of Highland, IN, and sister, Margaret Doll (Kenneth, deceased) of Indianapolis, IN; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and one aunt, Lucile Gardner (John, deceased) of LaPorte, IN.
After graduating from Bishop Noll High School, Wabash College and Indiana University School of Law, he began his law career as an Escrow Officer with Chicago Title Insurance and then transitioning to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Lake County. Next he joined the private practice firm of Given, Dawson and Cappas in East Chicago and later founded his own firm. While practicing in East Chicago he represented many local government agencies. As the East Chicago School City general counsel for 20 years, he participated in the financing and construction of numerous schools and municipal improvements. Later in his career, he relocated the firm to Schererville and leaned toward family practice. Preparing for retirement, in 2018 he merged into the offices of Rubino, Rumen, Crosmer and Polen in Dyer, IN. He was a member of the Lake County Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association for over 50 years.
In the late '60s and early '70s, he served as the Representative for Lake County in the Indiana House of Representatives. He was the Democrat Caucus Chairman in 1971 and 1972, a member of the Indiana Code Study Commission, and co-sponsor of Indiana Code of 1971.
He was an avid golfer and ballroom dancer, dancing with his wife in numerous amateur ballroom dance competitions across the United States.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Richard's name to the Saint Joseph's Carmelite Home (4840 Grasselli St, East Chicago, IN 46312) will be appreciated.
Services provided by Acevez Funeral Homes.
For more information please visit www.acevezfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lesniak
4 Entries
Denise Carrasquillo, OFS
October 19, 2023
My deepest sympathy to the Family of Mr. Lesniak. He was the East Chicago Public Library´s attorney for many years. I had the pleasure to work with him when I was employed at the library for 32 years. He was always very helpful and I learned a lot from working with him for many years. May he rest in peace.
Denise Carrasquillo
Yuma, AZ
Robert Meinzer
October 12, 2023
I recently heard of Richards passing. He and I were both
Early members of the East Chicago Bar Association .
I always
Considered him as a scholar of the law as he was so well versed!. The public and the law have lost good a man!
Marilyn Long
October 10, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Rich and I were not friends just class mates.
Linda Jostes
October 10, 2023
Janice, I am sorry to learn about the passing of your husband. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Jostes
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Lesniak's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Lesniak
Funeral services provided by:
Acevez Funeral Home - East Chicago4918 Magoun Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Lesniak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
