Winefield, Richard "Dick" Dick passed peacefully on March 18th, near his long-time loving partner Nancy Rosen in Wilmette. A lifetime Chicago-area resident, he graduated from New Trier High School, before joining the Army Air Corps and seeing service in WWII. Dick served as a wireless radio operator on missions aboard U.S. bombers and paratroop aircraft, but rarely spoke of his wartime experiences, except to recount how he had impersonated an officer in order to spend an extended leave with his best friend Bill Ziv. His platoon closely resembled that of Sgt. Bilko's, combining military service with an entrepreneurial zeal. Upon returning to Chicago, he went into the family business as a surgical and hospital supply salesman. In addition to a great sense of humor, Dick had an iron-trap mind, particularly for numbers and logic. His three sons quickly learned to marshal their arguments carefully, or to remain silent. During the Vietnam War there were frequently "lively" conversations around the dinner table. Outside of work, Dick was committed to community service. He was a Boy Scout leader, eventually receiving the Order of the Arrow. Had he known of the Boy Scouts' discrimination against homosexuals, he would have found other ways to serve. Dick was a lifelong Cubs fan, skipping school in the '30s to go to Wrigley Field. He also coached a local Little League team. Over the course of many years, his baseball teams generally lost more games than they won. But every child played, and all had a great time, so every season was a winning season. He thought often of his thirty-seven years with his wife, Emmy Lou, with whom he shared a long and loving relationship. He often said his happiest day was the day they wed, and his saddest the day she passed, in 1985. He never fully recovered from her early death, and thought of her every time he heard Mozart, ate an artichoke, or admired a rose. Dick leaves behind three sons with Emmy Lou: Tony, who teaches and coaches in Oklahoma, Rich and his wife Jeanne in California and their two children Gus and Grace and her husband Simon, and Larry and his wife Tonia in New Hampshire and their two children Richard and his wife Hannah and Aliza and her husband Rickie and great-grandchildren Olivia, Owen and Emily. He also will be missed by Nancy Rosen, with whom he spent many happy years and who was by his side through both good and difficult times, and her family, who were truly as family to Dick: daughters Karen Butz and her husband Rick in Illinois and their sons Jonathan, Jeremy and Kevin, Laura Siefert and her husband Chris in California and their daughters Kelly and Alix, and Fred in New Mexico. Dick Winefield was smart, funny, generous, and emotional, and will be greatly missed. A gathering of family and friends to share memories of Dick will be held on April 20th at Nancy's home in Wilmette. For information email son Rich: [email protected]/
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1 Entry
Nancy,
I'm so sorry to hear about Dick. Such an amazing man. Always made me smile and laugh tons. I loved how you both made time to see us when you came to CA. When we came to Chicago, loved sitting on the porch visiting and sharing stories(how to make pesto).My children still tell "Dick" stories. Tre loves him.
He will be very missed. He will be remembered as a wonderful, caring and funny man.
Take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Love,
Melissa MacIntosh Orlando
Melissa Orlando
March 31, 2013
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