Funeral Details

To Richard's family,
Dale, at least, will recognize my distinctive name, Loren Santow. I was a boyhood friend of and Cleveland School / Oakview Jr. High classmate of Richard's in Skokie. Along with Larry Cohen, Bruce Brantman, and a few others, we were besties. I was saddened to hear of Richard's passing.

I have great memories of him; he was a foundational person in my life. Dale, do you recall a nascent rock band Richard formed with Bruce and...I don't know who all. But Richard on drums! I bet they were playing "G-L-O-R-I-A." I recall Richard's brand of humor and his jokey smile. But my most vivid––painful?––memory is what followed if Richard asked "Wanna play catch"? That meant Richard would pitch, and I would catch, often in our Kedvale Ave. backyard, a few blocks from your home. I didn't have a catcher's mitt, only a regular fielder's glove, and I was no kind of athlete. Richard would just BURN them in. I think my hands are still ringing from the punishment.

Alas, adolescence turned me into a bit of a misfit, and, quitting high school in my early teens, I lost touch with Richard and the whole gang. I've managed to reconnect with a few since; I'd give anything to catch up with Richard for a few more rounds of...catch.

I offer you all deepest condolences, and peace.
Loren Santow

Loren Santow

One of my first friends when I arrived in Chicago in the early 70’s. We traveled across the country to Tucson and on into Mexico in what was one amazing ‘Econoline’ journey! I didn’t fully appreciate his unique brand of humor at the time but he taught me early on to enjoy the ride and don’t sweat the details. I have thought of Richard often over the years since those days and wish him Godspeed. My condolences to Angie and the family.
Frank Cohen

Frank Cohen

i knew rich very well and loved him like a brother we made instant friends at our workplace and shared many good times together rich was whip smart with an acerbic wit and sense of humor he dealt with a variety of hardships that would break just about anyone else rich was tough and tough minded i loved him we had a few falling outs along the way but that dosent occur unless you care about someone i was really saddened to find out about his passing but i wii never forget him or his extreme kindness hw always showed me

j klein

i knew rich very well and loved him like a brother we made instant friends at our workplace and shared many good times together rich was whip smart with an acerbic wit and sense of humor he dealt with a variety of hardships that would break just about anyone else rich was tough and tough minded i loved him we had a few falling outs along the way but that dosent occur unless you care about someone i was really saddened to find out about his passing but i wii never forget him or the extreme kindness he always showed me

j klein