The world has lost a truly lovely soul on June 9, 2018 and heaven has now become an even more wonderful place. Our hearts are truly broken, but as he would say, life must go on, do not look back, and move forward.

On February 16, 1957 Richard married the love of his life Jean Jamraz. He was always looking out for her well-being even up to his final days. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage with a common thread of humor and hard work. They went on to have 5 daughters: Victoria Wiencek, Carol (Michael) Furco, Kathleen (Carl) Beckman, Lisa Lordo, and Michelle (Peter) Wilczak. Words can’t describe the mutual love we shared with our dad. He gave us the greatest gift anyone could give another, and that is his believing in us. Grandpa was a proud superhero to 16 grandchildren: Nicole (Matt) Lutzka, Lesley (Nate) Talley, Heather Cross, James (Arif) Cross, Brandon (Kristin) Cross, Ryan Cross, Preston (Heather) Beckman, Kent Beckman, Ericka Beckman, Leah Lordo, Jacob (Lauren) Lordo, Jordan Lordo, Calvin Lordo, Gabrielle Wilczak, Grace Wilczak, and Owen Wilczak. He was an adored great-grandfather of 10: Christian, Michael and Mia Lutzka, Rickey and Ruby Gauthier, Kori, Violet and Evan Talley, Ryan Cross Jr. and Jax Cross. He was an adored brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend of many.

Richard was born May 3, 1933 to Helen (nee Lutenska) and Theodore Franczyk. He was a devoted brother to Donald, Arlene, and June. After graduating from St. Ann High School in Chicago in 1951, he went on to the US Army and served in the Korean War from 1953-1955. He proudly worked for the Chicago Police Department from 1961-1998 where he climbed to the rank of lieutenant. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a lifelong Chicagoan and loved all of its sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs. With his quick wit and friendly demeanor, Richard enjoyed a good party. We all have so many wonderful memories of holidays and events that he made special for everyone. He truly loved his family with all of his heart. He was always checking in with a quick drop by, or in his later years, phone calls to make sure everything was okay and a quick remark to cheer you up. He cherished his friendships and touched many lives with his integrity, compassion, friendly words, and always treated others with the utmost respect. He constantly looked out for everyone and we are comforted in knowing we have the best guardian angel looking over us now. He will be truly missed.

Visitation Wednesday from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 W. Archer Ave, Chicago. Morning prayers Thursday at 9:45am from funeral home to funeral mass at St. Symphorosa Catholic Church at 10:30am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. For more info, please call (773)-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com ;