Richard S. Bugajski

1939 - 2024

Richard S. Bugajski

March 22, 1939 - August 3, 2024

NORMAL - Richard S. Bugajski, 85, of Normal, passed away peacefully with his children beside him on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac.

His funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at St. Patrick's Church of Merna, with Rev. Dustin Schultz celebrating. Burial will follow at Funks Grove Cemetery, McLean. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Catholic High School.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff at Accolade Healthcare in Pontiac, and Gentiva Hospice for their kindness.

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family.

Rich was born March 22, 1939, in Chicago, the son of Mitchell and Helen (Toton) Bugajski. He met his wife Donna Waterson in Chicago. They married on October 22, 1960, and moved to Big Rapids, MI where he graduated from Ferris State University in Marketing. They moved to Bloomington where Rich began his career at State Farm Insurance and attended ISU for his Masters. He worked as an Advertising Director for State Farm Insurance. Rich dedicated much of his life serving his community through various organizations. He volunteered and held leadership roles with the Red Cross, St Joseph's Hospital, Holy Trinity Church, Central Catholic High School, United Way and numerous other local clubs and groups. His commitment to these causes left a lasting impact on those around him.

Survivors include four children: Blaise (Page) Bugajski, Cumming, GA, Christe (Dean) Van Loon, Branson West, MO, Michelle (Mikel) Zook, Naperville and Casimir Bugajski, Owatonna, MN; 10 grandchildren: Blake Bugajski, Jett Bugajski, Jordan (Ashley) Van Loon, Taylor Van Loon, Nathan (Mary) Van Loon, Kaitlin Van Loon, Collin (Emily) Van Loon, Isabel Zook, and Grant Zook. 10 great-grandchildren: Hayden Van Loon, Lawson Van Loon, Brooks Van Loon, Cooper Van Loon, Anderson Van Loon, Logan Van Loon, Merna Van Loon, Eleanor Van Loon, Scottie Van Loon and Liam Van Loon, and many loved nieces and nephews; brother-in-laws: Denny (Linda) Waterson, Marty Freehill, Leo Szwiec, and sister-in-law, Eva Bugajski.

Preceding Rich in death are his parents, a brother, Donald Bugajski, a sister, Marlene Szwiec, sister-in-laws, Angela Freehill and Victoria Waterson, an unborn child, two unborn grandchildren, and two unborn great-grandchildren. Rich will spend time with all of these loved ones.

Rich loved going to White Sox baseball games when he was growing up. He helped run the family business "M & H Tavern"- named after his parents Mitch and Helen. He graduated from St. Philip Grade School and High School in Chicago and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. He enjoyed working in Advertising at State Farm Insurance for many years and developed many lifelong friendships. His expertise in marketing and sales contributed to his successful career. He retired in 2001 spending much of his time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling as well as life itself. Over the years the family took an annual Spring break trip to Destin where many friendships were celebrated. His nick name "Polish Prince" was developed in those years. Rich was known for his playful spirit and he enjoyed teasing those around him, bringing laughter and joy to family and friends.

He resided at Mercy Creek the last two years and built special friendships there, especially his "round table" friends. Thank you to the caring staff at Mercy Creek for making the last few years of his life joyful.

Rich, beloved as Dadio and Pappy, leaves behind a cherished legacy of fatherhood, faith, love and laughter.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.