RICHARD "DICK" GASKA

Born Feb. 12,1939 and passed away on home hospice October 22, 2025.

Rich was born and raised on Chicago's south side, alongside 3 brothers. As a child, Rich had a passion for cars and tinkering with mechanical things. He also delivered newspapers in his local neighborhood. His education included attending Sts. Peter and Paul through 8th grade, and then all-male Tilden Technical Academy for high school.

Richard worked in a food store for a few years before taking truck driver training and entering his long-term career as a truck driver for K&R Deliveries.  He was a skilled driver, as shown by his precision maneuvering of a LONG trailer around pylons in competitive truck rodeos. He loved this career so much that he continued to play his tractor ID number as his daily/weekly lucky lottery numbers.

Nancy and Rich raised their family in Chicago in the upper flat of Richard's childhood home until their family outgrew the space. The family moved to Wauconda in 1965 into a brand-new suburban neighborhood. This new home gave Rich the chance to tend a garden, practice home maintenance (he was especially skilled at painting the home's interior walls) and to enjoy ice skating on the backyard lagoon. The family remained in Wauconda until K&R moved from DesPlaines to Willowbrook. That resulted in the family moving to Lockport.

Rich and Nancy then focused their energies on caring for their aging parents and extended family. Their actions set an example of the importance of family, compassion, and service that was passed on to their children. Nancy and Rich spent much time with their growing family as grandchildren came along. They were devoted to attending sporting events, artistic performances, and assorted school activities. Other interests included attending performances with Morris Theatre Guild and Lewis University Theatre. As they aged, Rich treasured the company of his beloved wife, Nancy. He was her caretaker when her medical needs increased and was involved in an Alzheimer Support Group to learn more about how to serve as her patient and caring partner.

Besides family, Rich held several interests, which included taking care of everyone and everything that needed his attention and care (neighbors, outdoor maintenance, auto repair, home upkeep…..).  He became very close to the Saint Dennis Church friends, and continued to keep in touch with Teamster retirees, as well as his childhood friends who enjoyed playing monthly poker games for more than 60 years. He was a regular blood donor (again, a selfless act), and he belonged to the Foresters, which supported needy families and veteran groups. To relax, Rich spent time watching TV, cheering for his Cubbies, and becoming a consistent consumer of reality shows, police dramas, and the three "Chicago" programs. He played BINGO while Nancy resided at StoryPoint assisted living and continued to seek out BINGO after Nancy passed away this past February.  He continued to connect with Teamster retirees through monthly breakfasts and yearly picnics.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his great pride and joy, and he could always be found with his red camera, taking photos of them and all of his friends.

Rich was dearly loved by family and friends. His example of service and stewardship has influenced so many. His generous and helpful spirit will forever be remembered and cherished. We are forever grateful for the excellent care that both Richard and Nancy received from the Silver Cross Home Health Care program, and for the Lightways Hospice agency which provided compassionate and excellent care during Rich's final five months.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jan (late Josephine) and Stella Gaska; beloved wife, Nancy Gaska; son, Richard A. Gaska; grandson, Jacob Oriatti.

Survived by his loving children, Gail (John) Suffredin, Cathleen (Patrick) Oriatti and Martin (Kimberly) Gaska; dear daughter-in-law, Denise Gaska; dearest grandchildren, Stephen (fiance Samantha Cecola) Suffredin, Megan Gaska, Kevin (fiancé Emily Adam) Suffredin, Carol Marie (Jacob) O'Marrah, Rachel Oriatti, Sophie (Tommy) Johnson, Jae Gaska and Morgan (Zachary) Walker; great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Toviana and Thatcher; 3 dear brothers, John T. (late Jeanne) Gaska, Walter (Jean) Gallas and Robert (Bunny) Gaska; caring sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Monday, October 27, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport.  Funeral Tuesday, October 28, 2025 with family and friends to meet directly at St. Dennis Church in Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.  Cremation Private.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com