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Richard Lee Harsch, 60, April 9, 2014, of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. A native Chicagoan, Richard has lived all over the world including Jerusalem, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. Richard was an author, playwright, speaker, scholar, afficionado of writing, literature, Shakespeare, classical music, opera, cooking, all things spiritual, ordained universal minister, and theologian.

Richard, an incredibly thoughtful, devoted and loving husband, leaves behind his wife Rhonda (Foyle )Harsch. During their marriage they lived life to the fullest. Traveling, sampling the cuisines of the world, and enjoying the arts are all way they celebrated their love for each other and embraced every day. They would often relax by reading with their loyal companion Vito by their side, and each day began and ended with “I love you”.

A proud father, he leaves behind his talented and beautiful daughter, Nicole Roberts. A sure way to put a smile on Richard's face was to talk about the achievements and extraordinary life of his daughter. The one comfort his family was left with in his passing is that he will be joining his son Zachary Harsch in heaven. Separated too soon, father and son will now be together again.

Richard was the beloved son of parents Charlene Stocking and Leroy (Rose) Harsch, from whom he inherited his handsome looks and the ability to give the most amazing hugs. Richard, the big brother to Bill Harsch, Beth Hill, and Mary Rosenquist, will be missed dearly by his siblings. He filled all the duties that the oldest child should. He looked out for, stood by, cared for, and teased his brother and sisters better than anyone else ever could.

Richard was also blessed to have an amazing second family of in-laws. His daughter-in-law Bobbie Harsch, son-in-law Chris Roberts, and brothers-in-laws Dennis Hill and Leif Rosenquist. He enjoyed getting to know his mother-in-law, Rosemary Foyle, sister-in-law Rebecca Peitzmann and her two sons, Raymond and Sam (who, no doubt, would have greatly enjoyed his knowledge and stories), and sister & brother-in-law Ruth and Robin Meek.

Richard will never be forgotten by his niece and nephews, Kevin Hill, Alyssa Hill, Joe Reschke, and Ben Reschke. He was the most sarcastic and witty Uncle anyone could ever have.

Richard experienced being called grandpa, blessed 5 years ago with the birth of his first grandchild Dylan Harsch, and just recently became a grandpa again to his granddaughter Sydney Roberts.

This man touched many lives and truly enjoyed his work. He created many special bonds with his co-workers and “regulars” and considered them family as well. He even performed the wedding ceremonies of two very special couples. He was met with joy upon his homecoming by his best friend through most of his life, Fr. Aloysius Florio, one of many brothers, friars, priests, and Cardinals he befriended.

Cremation rites have been accorded in keeping with Richard’s wishes. Final resting place Chartres, France. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 15, from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m., with service 3 p.m., at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, 60 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611.

Memorials may be made to WFMT (https://secure.wfmt.com/honor_memorial), or The Abbey of Gethsemani, 3642 Monks Road, Trappist, KY 40051.

Arrangements by Central Chapel, Lane-Moynihan Directors, Downtown Chicago.
To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. For information call 312-944-6060

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