Richard "Dick" P. Reedy

Richard "Dick" Reedy was born December 29, 1931, in Chicago to Lawrence "Papa" and Estelle "Stell" Reedy. He was an Irish twin to his older brother Larry, who prevailed over Dick in their mother’s sanctioned “backyard boxing matches” to work out their sibling rivalry issues until, at long last, Dick won and was never challenged again. Larry (Pat) and Dick’s doppelganger brother Bill (Gigi), preceded Dick in death along with his beloved sister Dorothy, affectionately known as “Boo,” and her husband Terry.

Dick is survived by his baby brother Leo (Polly), along with Dick’s loving wife, Lynda and children: Richard (Eileen) Reedy, Julie (Phil) Kazimier, David Reedy, Paul (Candye) Reedy, Philip (Jill) Reedy, Christopher (Lynette) Reedy, Tara (Kevin) Sliva, Alison (Ryan) Mitchell, Brooke (Robert) Beaudoin; grandchildren: Patrick Reedy, Bridget (JR) Jones, Jacquelyn (Pete) Smith, Jason Kazimier, Patricia (Bennett) Bean, Kathryn (Lenny) Lane, Alex (Chandler) Reedy, Danielle (Charlie) Stewart, Blair Reedy, Melissa (Dustin) Richards, Callie Reedy, Stephanie (Vick) Rich, Brandon Suarez, Jonathan Suarez, Luke (Catherine) Reedy, Nick Reedy, Matthew Reedy, Michael Reedy, Zachary Reedy, Samuel (Desiree) Reedy, Isabelle Reedy, Vivienne Sliva, Violet Sliva, Andrew Mitchell, Reed E. Mitchell, Brianna Beaudoin, Melanie Beaudoin, Nolan Beaudoin; and great-grandchildren: Jaden Reedy, Emma and Avery Jones, Ryder Smith, Kayla Kazimier, Otis Bean, Ava and Annie Lane, Wesley Stewart, Brooks Richards, Jayme Rich, Finn Reedy, Waylon and William Reedy. Preceded in death by children: Lynnae Reedy, Joseph Reedy, and Gail Reedy; his parents Estelle (nee Dodd) Reedy and Lawrence W. Reedy; his siblings Dorothy Morris, Larry Reedy, and Bill Reedy.

Dick had a profound sense of patriotism, as evidenced by his many stars and stripes themed clothing and accessories, and the infamous USA DAD license plate. He served not only as a Sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard, but also as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Dick will be remembered by those who encountered him during his 92 years of life for many different reasons. Some will remember him for his uncanny knack for never forgetting a face and name. Others will remember him as being a connector who always tried to use his contacts and influence to help others. Some will remember him for being a great storyteller (albeit long-winded), regaling stories of his youth where he did such things as fly an air force plane without a pilot’s license, running in a River Forest “gang” called the Merry Knights, and spending his summers vacationing in Crystal Lake where he was enrolled with his brother as a student at St. Thomas school in September (prolonging his time up there since the weather had been abysmal) before returning home to River Forest to finish the school year. 

All will remember him for his flamboyant sense of style that he inherited from his dad, the original Papa Reedy. Dick rocked some amazing bell bottoms, wild patterned shirts, feathered cowboy hats, big belt buckles, holiday themed ties, and mint green patent leather shoes on St. Patrick’s Day. His ski attire was legendary. 

Dick had many unique experiences in life including having a private sitting with Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II and living amongst some notorious individuals in his old stomping grounds of River Forest. He counted as friends some fabled Chicago icons including politicians, business leaders and sports stars. Dick had a passion for travel - starting, selling, and then buying back his travel agency Seven Continents Travel - where he employed hard working and devoted individuals who counted Dick as family.

After he sold his travel agency, Dick went to work in the family business with his brothers Larry and Leo at L.W. Reedy Real Estate in Elmhurst, founded by their father, Larry Sr. Dick didn’t enter retirement until he helped his youngest children find their forever homes. Even then, you could find Dick working the coat check at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington so he could spend those evenings with Lynda. After selling their Barrington home they built and lived in for thirty-eight years, Dick was excited to return to the Crystal Lake area in his final years, still recognizing many landmarks such as the water tower, Main Beach, and the original St. Thomas Church.

His family will fondly remember Dick as a “glass half-full” guy, who never allowed them to think there was a problem that was too big to solve. He was pragmatic with a gentle touch, giving tough love when needed, but never shying away from doing all he could to help. This often involved impromptu visits and classic “This is your father calling…” voicemails. He dropped what he was doing in the middle of the night to be by people who needed him with no questions asked. He didn’t judge others, was sympathetic, quite progressive and tried to be the best example he could be to those who loved him. He always tried to make things happen, no matter what that took, even at his expense.

Dick loved, and lived, to spend time with his family. He looked forward to gathering for Christmas where he would dress up as Santa in the suit he inherited from his father for his children and grandchildren. Dick also spent many years playing Santa at different charity events and at his youngest daughters’ elementary schools. He was proud to participate in Indian Princesses with some of his daughters and granddaughters, cherishing that one-on-one time. Despite owning his own business, Dick tried to never miss a game, recital, or other special event. He hosted Reedy Grandkids Campouts in his back yard in Barrington nearly every summer, which was always a highlight of his year.

He loved sports including golf, hockey, and skiing, sparking an interest for, and love of the same by, his many kids and grandkids. More than anything Dick loved to be needed by his loved ones and he never wanted to let any of them down. He never did.

We welcome you to drive by The Catlow Theatre in Barrington, 116 W Main St., on Tuesday, November 12th, to see this legend’s name on the marquee and to give a honk in his honor.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 3 PM until 8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the 10:30 AM funeral mass at Saint Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St (Corner of Franklin and Ela Sts.) Barrington. Interment will be private.