Richard J. Keating

Richard “Dick” Keating, currently of Orland Park and previously Chicago’s southside, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021.  Despite the loss, his family rejoices in his full life that touched so many.  Dick was a proud graduate of St. Sabinas grammar school and St. Rita high school.  He developed relationships at those schools and in this neighborhood that lasted a lifetime.  The most important relationship was when he met Judy Moran, who would become his wife of 55 years.  The met, married, and built a wonderful life together on the southwest side of Chicago.  Devoted to their Catholic faith, they educated their children in the Catholic school system through high school, and continued to be involved in their parishes throughout their life together.  The faith based, loving home they created grew to include three children, Mary Frances (Mitch) Ciezczak, Richard Jr. (Caroline Sievers), and Brian (Sally LoChirco).  Later in life the family expanded to include nine grandchildren, making him he a proud Papa of Matt, Jack, Riley, Megan, Brennan, Caleigh, Erin, Xander, and Kiera.

In addition to being dedicated to family and faith, Dick also began his career in the Chicago Fire Department in 1966.  He was awarded the Lambert Tree, the City of Chicago’s highest award for bravery, for saving a family of 5 when their house was engulfed in flames.  Dick rose to the rank of Deputy District Chief, and retired in 2004.  While in the fire department, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from SIU, and mentored many other firefighters under his command. 

Dick’s interests also included all things related to the Irish culture in Chicago, including the history of his grandparent’s journey to Chicago.  He also enjoyed White Sox baseball, Blackhawks hockey, Duke basketball, and all of his grandchildren’s activities.  Devoted son of the late Bernard and Mary Catherine. Loving brother of Mary (Bob) Giczewski, Kathy (Paul) Becker, the late Tom (CPD  & Mary Anne), Patricia Keating, Bernadette (Art) Smigielski. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews, friend and mentor to countless others. Visitation Monday February 22nd at Maher Funeral Home, 17101 71st Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Family and friends asked to meet Tuesday morning directly at Our Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 11:00 am 16043 S. Bell Rd., Homer Glen, IL 60491, for the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Good Shepard Catholic Cemetery Orland Park. Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc. entrusted with all arrangements. Please make memorials in Dick's name to Autism Speaks and view the live stream funeral Mass by visiting www.orricofuneral.com other info 815-462-0711

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