Richard Jude Hank, 89, of Riverside, formerly a longtime resident of River Forest, died on Jan. 6, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born on Aug. 25, 1936, to Bernard and Viola Hank, he grew up in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago.
He and his wife, Joan, were married on Oct. 6, 1962, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, beginning a lifelong partnership. A proud graduate of St. Giles School, Fenwick High School, and the University of Notre Dame, his spirit of perseverance was evident throughout his life. At the age of 14, he courageously overcame polio, an experience that inspired his lifelong passion for fitness, sports, and weightlifting.
He and Joan were dedicated to property management. Outside of work, he found joy in reading, western movies, and traveling — especially with family.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Bristol Hospice for their exceptional care, especially Nurse Lauren, Father Mark, and Carlos, whose compassion, guidance and comfort meant so much during this time.
Richard is survived by Joan (Kolczak) Hank, his wife of 63 years; his daughters, Diane (the late Pete) Parenti and Barbara (Hank) Rambousek; his grandchildren, Ashley (Bailey) Dean-Parenti, Peter Parenti, Megan Rambousek, and Carter Rambousek; his siblings, William (Joan) Hank, Marie (Arch) McKellar, and Jeanne (William) Dale, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry Hank, his nephew Jim Hank, his sister-in-law Joyce Hank, and his son-in-law, Pete Parenti.
Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, on Jan. 23 from 4 until 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Jan. 24 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave., River Forest. He will be interred privately in St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polio Survivor Foundation in Richard’s memory. Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co., Funeral Directors.
