Richard F. Krakora
Richard F. Krakora, age 96; beloved husband of the late Josephine Krakora; loving father of Rick Krakora, Lauri (John Vaile) Krakora, David Krakora, Mary Ellen (Rangal) Yorks, & Joanne (Greg) Sanders; proud grandfather of Lindsay (Ryan) Scopelliti, Richard (Lisa) Holton, Jake Holton, & Luke Holton; cherished-great-grandfather of Tabitha Guttierez, Fiona, Nicholas, Arianna Scopelliti, and Cesidia Holton. Wonderful uncle , cousin, and friend of many. Preceded in death by grandson Patrick Krakora, sisters Dolores Stolinski, Margaret McDaniel, and brother-in-law Anthony Val Mazzenga. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ed Stolinski and sister – in -law, Shelly Mazzenga.
Richard served in both WW II and the Korean War. Richard and his wife opened their small business in the 1950’s as a hardware store which evolved into Willow Creek Fine Furnishings in LaGrange after Jo acquired her interior design degree. They worked side by side for 40 years until they retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina. There they had wonderful neighbors, especially Reg and Donna Johnston, who became their “adopted” children. Richard loved to fish, read, and listen to opera, jazz, musicals, and Andre Rieu. Together they loved to travel and take long walks on the beach with their beloved dog, Maddie.
Richard was a kind and considerate man whose joy in life was his wife and family. He especially took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anyone who met him would say “what a sweet man!” Very special thanks goes to Silver Linings and all the caregivers in Reno, Nevada who took such great care of him in his final days.
Visitation 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends will meet for funeral prayers at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18 from the funeral home to St. Cletus Church, LaGrange for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be designated for neurodegenerative disease research at the Mayo Clinic. Visit www.mayoclinic.org/development, or Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St., SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
Please accept my most sincere sympathy on the loss of Dick. I last saw him at Jo’s viewing and was happy to reminisce about our past experiences, when he and Jo helped me select finishes and furnishings for my townhome purchase in 1994. They helped me make selections from the builder- flooring, fixtures, etc., and then furniture and window treatments. I was overwhelmed! Previously they did my parents’ home in Western Springs, and remade some of my old window drapes to fit my first apartment and condo before the townhome.n My mom died shortly after I moved in, so my future husband and I had a small wedding ceremony in my living room. Jo accelerated her schedule and Dick accelerated placement of furniture. They did everything I needed and a few things I didn’t know I needed. They treated me like a daughter. May Dick Rest In Peace as he reunites with his beloved Jo.
Ellen ,
Your words mean so much to us ! My mom and dad really cared about their clients as you experienced. I am happy you have that memory at a very difficult time in your life. Thank you so much for sharing with us !
Lauri
Dick was one of our oldest childhood friends from the old neighborhood. He was a kind and gentle person with whom we enjoyed traveling. My sincere condolences to all the family.
When we die, the only thing that survives is the difference we made during our lifetime that makes the world a better place. We never knew Dick, but knew his daughter, Lauri. She carries on his ideals and kindness. And Lauri carries those qualities forward with Dick’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His had to be a life well lived. Serving in two wars, what a sacrifice for the rest of us! America needs more men like him. So, the whole world grieves in his loss. May he rest in peace–he has done his duty.
I feel like I knew Richard through his daughter Mary Ellen. She described him as a loving family man and she cared for him in his final years. My condolences on your loss Mary, but you know he is with his beloved Jo and they are so grateful for such a loving daughter.