Funeral Details

Rich made our world a better place or ,when the occasion needed it, a less worse place! He had a perspective that always rang true because of his intelligence, acceptance of others and terrific common sense. He also led by being the first to, pitch in—he led by example. A great man.

Wayne Andersen

My wife, Raye, and I have known Rich and Heidi from their earliest days in Naperville. They were early leaders in the synagogue we were forming on the Western edge of Chicago. We were together with each other at our many blessings. Before having Aviva Rich was the go to guy who was the uncle many of our boys needed and he was so respected for his many abilities. When Heidi and Rich left Naperville and moved to Evanston and JRC Rich continued to simply be the same Rich we all knew in Naperville. He was a man's man skilled with tools and compassionate for causes he believed in, You could not help, but respect him for his beliefs and commitments. Did I say he was likeable? He was immensely likeable and was the kind of man who brought people together. His loss was a shock and we will miss him tremendously.

sheldon Isenberg

So many good memories of spending time with Rich when I was a young boy, and throughout my life, at all my milestones. I remember being so excited when Aviva was born because I knew even then as a boy that he would be a good father.

I have a fun memory of wanting to build a robot, and bringing Rich plans with the hopes he could help me build it. He was always a calming, strong and gentle presence, and a role model for how I wanted to live life. His memory is a blessing to me.

Josh Isenberg

Rich and Heidi were active members during the formative years of the Naperville Jewish Community Organization that evolved into Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville. Rich’s calming personality helped cool many heated discussions.; from the amount of dues to whether we should hire a rabbi, build a synagogue (or a community center,), or both, or neither. Rich tutored both of my children for their B’nai Mitzvahs as well as other youngsters. He was involved with hiring our first rabbi. We were sorry to see them move from Naperville, but were happy to see them move to a fulfilling life in Evanston.

May Rich’s memory be a blessing to all his family and friends.

Herbert Golinkin

This morning, I read Isaiah 1:18, where God reaches out to the Israelites and says, "Come, let us reason together..." Immediately, I thought of Rich, who was always a voice of reason. I never heard Rich say the words, "Come, let us reason together," but this is what he did his entire life, in all his relationships, and who I saw him to be over the 50+ years that I have known him. He was inquisitive; quick to learn; a good listener; a man of convictions, but able to see both sides; willing to step into stressful, conflict-filled situtations and search for a peacable solution; both practical and visionary; long-suffering; and selfless. If I was ever a defendant on trial, I would have wanted Rich to be my judge, knowing that I was before someone who would take the time to understand my situation, and then, with both justice and mercy, do the right thing. If I was a junior high student, I would have wanted Rich to be my teacher, and I know that years later, in talking with classmates, I would say, "Do you rememer Mr. Katz?" What a privilege and honor it has been to know him, and to learn from him. .

Steve Holler

It was my honor to know Rich from Hands Of Peace. He was a beyond amazing person and loved and respected by so many. He will be missed greatly by his family and numerous friends. Jim and I will never forget him!

Gail Tatsuda

Rich was an absolutely amazing teacher to our 2 children at Baker Demonstration School. He always gently pushed the students to look outside the box, see the bigger picture and to write from the heart. It is because of him that our girls went onto high school and college and always performed well when writing papers for any subject matter. He was the best of the best. He will be sadly missed.

Alan and Karrie Smookler

I met Rich a few years ago in Denver via our mutual love of bonsai. He was a lovely human being and I will miss his presence in our community. Rest in Peace Rich, I will cherish our conversations. You will be missed.

Normando Rodriguez

I was deeply saddened to hear of Richard's passing this week and I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. I was a recipient of Richard's kindness and good will when we met for the first time back in 1969 as we were both freshman pledge class members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. At college, I recall Richard's thoughtfulness as he supported several charitable causes to help others in need. I had reconnected with Richard in recent years and found out that he had continued his good deeds volunteering for an organization with a goal of fostering peacebuilding among Israeli, Palestinian and American teenagers from different backgrounds and different cultures in a noble effort to overcome the conflict in the Middle East. Having many skills, Richard also distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher in my community, with many of his former students having fond memories of Richard's engaging classes. Richard left a legacy of a good life for all of us to aspire to. He will be missed.

Jeffrey Doman

We had the pleasure and honor of knowing Rich in our Tanach study group at B'nai Havurah, Denver. When we last were with him, Rich had just come back from a trip with family to the area in the mountains near Marble, Colorado, close to Aspen. Rich had had a wonderful time at a camp there, and his spirit was filled with love for all he had been with.
Rich could paint a scene of beauty and meaning in a few words. He was wise, knowledgeable, careful in thought, speech and behavior.
How we could lose someone we thought was in good health, in great spirits and at the top of his spiritual health, is beyond us.
Yet Rich is gone. We mourn his loss, our grief goes to his family and friends, and we will say Kaddish for him, wishing his memory to continue to inspire us with grace from now and forever.

Dave Edwards

I can't believe Rich will not be with us for our Thursday Tenach group. What a mind, what an outgoing nature, what an inspiration for us all. We will sorely miss him.

Maureen Arredondo

Condolences to the Katz family and friends. Rich was one of the best humans on the planet. Good friend,Sukkot builder, puzzle partner, and great neighbor.

Dan and Virginia Hansvick

My father was my best friend. He lived with me through my worst and best in life. I wish I had been able to attend today.

I thought of the strangest story of my father tonight.
I had braces as a middle schooler, and it wasn't a fun experience. One evening a wire from my braces came unstrung and hooked me in the cheek. He called our orthodontist and was told to do this: get a pair of plyers. He was already on board since those were a pinch away. But they told him on the cordless how to unhook my cheek from the wire and how to turn it back in. So, using his workshop worn pliers, and his loving hands he saved me for that night.
He was always someone willing to be kind and gentle when he could, and kind and objective when he had to. Always thinking what is best for everyone.

He and I were working on a project before he passed. I will finish it for the school that asked me to and dedicate it to him and his need to help people, regardless of age.
When he saw my school shortly before he passed, he said spending that small time in my school made him want to be a teacher again.
I thank you dad, for all you have given and gifted me in life.

Alex Katz

My condolences to the family. My shock at hearing of Rich's death.

Eli Reshotko

We were sad to learn through the Baker Demonstration School grapevine that Rich had died. Our sons Eric & Greg were deeply impacted by Rich in middle school and he was one of their favorite teachers. He came to the high school graduation celebrations for family and special friends in their lives that we hosted in our home for each of them.. I (Mindy) learned that Rich actually taught my Senior Lifesaving class in Champaign when I was in high school and was a dear friend of my grade school friend Beth Dankert Hammond. So amazing that Rich had all of these connections with us!

When I told our sons that Rich had passed they each commented on how much he meant to them and Eric commented that he had just been thinking about him the week before. Our condolences and hugs to Heidi, Aviva, Alex and other family members. Rich truly made the world a better place.

Rob & Mindy Pierce

I knew Rich from our Cedar Family support group. I have come to consider him a close friend over the years. He was always giving of himself, supportive in all ways, working hard whenever needed, he had a huge caring heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a sparkle in his eyes that exuded joy and positivity. I can’t imagine he has passed.
I will miss him terribly, as will our whole support group ….not to mention his wonderful family that he loved so dearly.
Kim

Kim Rogers

I will never forget the kindness and warmth of Rich Katz. I am deeply saddened to hear that he has died. He was the leader of an on-line parent support group I attended for over two years. He will be missed. His memory will always be a blessing.

Deborah Baker