Richard Hart
Richard Royce Hart, 81, of Normal, passed away at 11:20 a.m. on Aug. 31 at his residence in Normal.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life service will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard was born on Nov. 30, 1933 in Chicago, a son of Chester and Gretchen Hart. He married Nancy Erickson on Aug. 18, 1956 in Princeton, Ill.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Hart of Normal; children, Douglas E. Hart of Normal and Deborah (Mike) Love of Bloomington; three sisters, Sherrill Chillo of Downers Grove, Dorothy (Kenneth) Wlodarczyk of Hickory Hills and Kathy Cappelli of Crestwood; and four grandchildren, Dylan Hart, Jacob, Alex and Madysen Love.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Richard was a graduate of Cornell College and the University of Iowa, receiving his Ph.D. in paleontology and geology. He then relocated to Normal to start his teaching career at Illinois State University and later received an additional degree in oceanography and he went on to teach for 29 years. The love of his teaching career kept him involved with his many students and colleagues over the years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Normal. Richard loved to paint and was a superior craftsman. He enjoyed sailing his own craft with family and friends
Richard was a loving, caring and kindhearted gentleman to his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
Online condolences and memories of Richard may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
