Richard W. Zaremba, age 90, of Indian Head Park; beloved husband of Elizabeth (née O’Neill); loving father of Nichola (Michael) Centomani & Bridget (Pawel Prymski) Zaremba; proud grandfather of Victoria (Arash) Vafaei, the late Matthew Rae, Liam Rae, & Lena Centomani; dear brother of Carol (the late Edward) Stosur; a dear friend of many.

Richard graduated from LaSalle High School in Chicago and shortly thereafter joined the Air Force and was stationed in Molesworth, England. After coming back to the States with his new bride, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management while working full time for Illinois Bell and supporting his young family. During this time, Richard went on to achieve a Master’s degree from Louis University in Psychology. After his retirement from then ATT, Richard followed his passion and became a long time docent and later employee of Brookfield Zoo in the Department of Education.  He later earned his second Master’s degree from Miami University in Conservation Biology, at age 84 he was the eldest recipient to earn this degree.  Brookfield Zoo came to identify Richard, where he became the family encyclopedia of animal facts and touched the lives of so many others when he taught classes for school children at the Zoo. The Zoo was where he flourished and we know his lively and humorous approach to teaching will be missed by many.

Funeral Mass 10am on Monday, May 13, 2024 at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55^th Street, LaGrange, IL 60525. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Brookfield Zoo (https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Donate) are greatly appreciated. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500