Richard J. Polancyak

Richard J. Polancyak, 84, of Park Forest, IL, formerly of Westville, IL, was called home by the Lord on January 5, 2015, at St. James Hospital, Olympia Fields, IL. He was born on August 16, 1930, the son of John and Agnes Polancyak, both deceased. Richard leaves behind a loving family; his wife, Dolores of 57 years and two sons, Timothy of Park Forest, Peter (Valerie) of Weldon Spring, Missouri and two grandchildren (Nathan and Reagan). Richard attended St. Marys Catholic School and Westville High School (Class of 1948) where he was a three sport athlete. He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University in 1958 (BS Mathematics) and from the University of Illinois, Champaign in 1964 (MS Mathematics). He was an Army veteran of the Korean War serving in a Medical Evacuation Hospital Unit. Richard was a math teacher at Rich East High School in Park Forest and retired in 1996 after 38 years of service. He was considered to be a “Master Teacher” by his peers and for the first time in the School District history had his classroom of 38 years officially dedicated as the “Richard Polancyak Room” at his retirement. He was well respected for his dedication to the teaching profession and touched many lives of students and peers along the way. Richard was also a part time math instructor at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL, for 40 years, retiring from that position in 2006. Richard was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, but had a deep love for all sports. He was a member of St. Irenaeus Parish of Park Forest since 1958. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Friday, January 9, 2015, at St. Marys Church, Westville, IL. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Memorial Mass at the Church. Richard will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. In lieu of flowers, Mass Offerings would be appreciated. Arrangements were entrusted to Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville. Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .