Richard I. MacDuff
Obituary's Biography:
Richard Ivan MacDuff passed away in the early hours of July 13, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loved ones. Richard was born on July 1,1956 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago, IL to his parents Richard and Rose MacDuff.
Rich is survived by his mother, Rose MacDuff; his son, Ronald (Molly O’Roark) MacDuff; his siblings, Robert MacDuff, Roger (Anne) MacDuff, and Rosanne (Jim) Sledz; his nieces and nephews, Richard (Skylar Johnson), Allyson, and Henry Sledz; Michael, Sean (Laura), Lauren, and Kate MacDuff; and, Daniel and Kevin MacDuff and Jennifer (Brian) O’Byrne. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard MacDuff; his brother, Ronald MacDuff; and his daughter, Marisa MacDuff.
Rich grew up with his three brothers and his sister in both Illinois and Delaware. As the oldest of five, Rich always looked out for his younger siblings. He was fortunate to have a large, close-knit extended family, forming many lifelong bonds. While growing up Rich could often be found playing the guitar, swimming, or rebuilding a car engine with his father. Rich’s father shared his love and knowledge of mechanics with Rich. Side-by-side they rebuilt the engine to Rich’s first motorcycle and VW Bug.
Rich was a hard worker his entire life. He got his first job bussing tables at Perkins Pancake House when he was 14 years old. Rich was a man of many talents. He was a machinist, a master carpenter, a livestock broker at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, an expert in everything retail, and a business owner. He owned and operated the Red Rooster in Arlington Heights, Illinois, across the street from the old Arlington Racetrack, for five years. He spent the last years of his life working as a store planning specialist at the Innovation Center at Walgreens, where he enjoyed several close friendships.
Rich’s greatest joy in life came in fatherhood. His two children, Ronnie and Marisa, were truly the light of his life. Rich took great pride in his children and always had videos and pictures readily available to help tell the stories of their accomplishments.
One of Rich’s defining qualities was his passion for what he loved, whether that be his family, his favorite music, or sports. He loved watching a game with his family or having a day out by the pool with a drink, listening to his favorite songs. Rich was an early riser and loved nature. He tried to identify every bird, mammal, and reptile that he spied in the backyard.
He was an engaged listener – if you had something new in your life or an interest to share with him, he wanted to not only hear about it, but learn about it too.
The ease with which Rich could enjoy life’s simplest pleasures was infectious. He loved a good book, an entertaining B movie, science fiction, space exploration and research, an ice-cold Bud Light, and a fresh peanut butter cookie. He especially loved watching Marvel movies with his son and daughter-in-law, and football, college or pro, with his family.
Rich’s priority in his life was his family. During the final eight years of his life, Rich lived with family members spanning three generations. Rich excelled as a son, a brother (including in-law) and uncle in his loving, if crazy, household every day. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory may be made to a fund for his beloved nephew, Daniel MacDuff. Donations can be made either by Venmo (@Bernadettesons) or mail (Bernadette Sons, 114 W Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068). Any questions can be directed to Bernadette Sons at b.sons729@gmail.com.
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I first met Rich in 1967 when the MacDuff family moved next door to our family. Rich and Ron were part of the “cool older kids” of the neighborhood and I spent many a hour at the MacDuff house hanging out with Roger, Rob and Rosanne. With the sad losses Rich experienced losing his dad, brother and daughter each at young ages it sounds like he still had a very and fulfilling life. You will be missed. Jim Gilmore and family.