Richard Gutrich Obituary

Dear Gutrich Family,

We just recently heard the very sad news about Rich's passing. He was in our wedding party 44 years ago and we have a multitude of wonderful memories of Rich and his special smile. I am not sure why time sometimes changes things. Only wish we had kept in touch better. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Mr.G as I will always call him, will be remembered as the most kind and generous father and grandfather. He was a second dad to all the kids coming and going out of his house. Most of my memories from high school are all from 310 Central. Mr.G was always so kind to invite me to stay for dinner and enjoy his wonderful cooking. He will always be remembered and never forgotten. Your smile will be missed.

Just about all of my memories of Mr. Gutrich took place at one of his houses. The early days in east Wilmette. The thing that made him so unique and one of the most loving people I have ever known, is how he would feel at total peace while a bunch of teenagers were hanging out in house night after night. Knowing that 20-50 of his kids and kid's friends were in his house just about every weekend, gave him so much peace that he could fall asleep at ease while we were all still there, always amazed me.

Jeannie and I met in college in 1995; therefore I didn't get to meet Mr. G until then. I remember my first trip to Chicago to celebrate the New Year with Jeannie and friends. Jeannie had told me many stories of her dad, so I felt like I already knew him as I walked into 310 Central with the TV blaring loudly in the family room. That was my first memory of Mr. G. But as it always was, when we walked into the room and after Jeannie yelling, "Dad!" his full attention was on us. He was a great listener no matter what the story was about. From the day I met him I could tell the joy he felt from being around others and how loved he made everyone feel. He will be forever loved and forever missed!

Rich, you will always be in my heart.
Beatrice

I met Rich sixty-three years ago when he and I were four years old. Rich means the world to me and I will always love him as a brother. I have so many fond memories of him that, for me, he will never die. He will live on in those memories. He touched all of those who ever met him with his warmth, openness, hospitality, and humanity.

Jeanne,
Many great memories of Mr. G! My thoughts are with you, and your sisters during this difficult time.

Dear Nancy and family, I saw the notice in the "SunTimes" and wanted to be in touch. The only time Tom and I met Richard was at our 25th Ann. party and he seemed like a man with a great personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat (Detrick) and Tom Minogue

Dear Gutrich Family,

Anyone who was blessed enough to know Rich will tell you what a “shot in the arm” in was to see him, talk to him, run into him anywhere. He listened in a way that made you feel as if he was seeing in you what few others took the time to notice. You could see it on his face, when his smile would eclipse everything else.

I will miss Rich very much.

Joe

Dear Bridge,
I wish that I could be there with you during such a difficult time for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you always-I am just a phone call away (or a plane ride!). Please give Jeanie a hug for me-I know that Rich is up above with lots of beautiful angels!

Ken, Jeanne and the Gutrich Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your brother passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Sullivan Family
McHenry, IL

Ken
Include me with all the friends and family in extending sympathy at this time.

Though I have lived away from Chicago for many years, my heart is filled with wonderful memories of times spent with Rich and the Gutrich Family. I pray that even in your deep sorrow, you will feel the very real presence of God's love, peace and comfort.

With love and deep sympathy,
Patty Gutrich Stitcher

Dear Janet, Tom, Kenny, Mary Kay, and Billy,
I was so sorry to hear about Richy's passing. Growing up at my "second home" on Oakley was a warm, loving, and humorous experience, especially since I didn't have older brothers. There was never a time when the food was sparse, or the music wasn't playing. It sounds like the parties continued in Wilmette, and I know your mom and dad would be happy about your continued close family ties. Your friends from CK will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers, especially for Nancy, Sheila, Bridget, Jeanne, spouses, and children.
Love, Mary Kearney Sbertoli

Jeanne,
Debbie informed us of your Dad's passing. Many times during the past years she mentioned to us what a kind and wonderful man and father he was, and how much he cared for you and your siblings. We feel honored to know you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband, and family.

Fondly, Mike and Jan

Jeanne, Bridget and Sheila,
Tears have filled my heart since the sec I heard about your father. I have so many memories being with all of your girls and him. You were my family growing up and I have missed you all terribly. Costco choc chip cookies, dinners around the kitchen table, TV as loud as can be in the background, fridge always filled with delicious food, gatherings after gatherings at your house while Mr G was the center of attn. At one point in my life, I thought of him as my surrogate father. He made me smile in more ways then my own father ever made me smile. At one point I swore he loved me more. He was there for me when I needed parental support and I am deeply saddened to hear that he has passed. I can not imagine nor should try to imagine the pain you all must be going through. I know how close you all are and how much he loves you. You are his everything, his world and the make up of his heart and smile. I know time has passed between us but my love has always remained the same for you all. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I send you all of love. And I send your beautiful father, the famous Mr. G, all of my love. -Micaela-

Sheila- So sorry to hear about your dad. I probably had not seen him in over 20 yeras, however the memories of the sleepovers and good times at the Gutrich house are so fresh. The late night runs to Demas, watching cable TV ( you were the first family that I knew to get it!) , and last but not least all the wonderful food he made for us. Your house was always open for friends and that was because of your dad. May God bless you all and help you keep his memory alive.

Audrey (Allison) Bussone

Dearest Gutrich Family,

Your Father was such a wonderful man. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers daily. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you throughout this time.

Bridge and family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved your Dad. I remember all of the funny phone calls we made to "Rich" during our Fairfield years. He had such a great laugh!

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill
My deepest sympathy on the lose of you brother. All our prayers are with you. Betty and girls

Bridget,

I have thought of you often since our days at Time Inc. I was heartbroken to read about your dad, I know how much he meant to you and loved the stories you told about him. I was even more heartbroken to hear about donations to Pancreatic Cancer research. I too have been sourly touched by that rotten disease. It took Joe away four years ago, just 2 ½ years into marriage. I would love to hear from you, if you ever feel up to it. My prayers and thoughts are with you in the days and months ahead. God Bless You All!

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal." -- From a headstone in Ireland

Caroline Keeley (Hoover)

Bridget,
It has been a long time since we have seen each other - probably since University of Bridgeport. I had been trying to find you and just read of your dad's passing. I am so sorry to come upon such sad news - I met him once but I remember how fond you were of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. Please get in touch when you can.
Sincerely,
Liz Gertz

We always enjoyed being in Rich's company. I particularly enjoyed his insights during discussion of serious subjects. He always made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim and Betty McCabe

Bridget,
Where do I start with the memories of Rich Gutrich? I think my favorite memory was when we were out until 4:00am on the "Boo Radley" and woke him up because we were locked out. He LOVED us that night!
He was always good for a laugh and opened his heart to every friend of his four children. There are too many nights that we spent in the kitchen with kids of all ages eating sugar coated cereal and any other junk food you could think of. Not to mention all of the fresh Beneson doughnuts that we consumed every Saturday morning.
My deepest sympathies are with you and your sisters. I hope that you can find strength from each other. Please know that I am thinking about you all!!!!!!!!

Huge love,
Maille (Murnyak) McGough

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of such a great man and Dad!
With Symapthy,
Kathleen Murphy

Hi Girls,

So sorry to hear about Papa "G". As I have shared with Sheila, I will never forget your father for opening up his home and family to me. He was a great man and will be missed...Love to you all, ~Ry~

Uncle Rich was a truly loving and amazing man! I have looked up to him my entire life and will miss him greatly. Sheila, Brig, & Jeannie....I am always here for you, and let me know if you need anything.

Bridget,
I was shocked and sad to read of your Dad's passing. He was a great Dad and I remember him being so kind to us kids as we were always invading the Gutrich home!

My Mom, Dad and and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Rich Gutrich so loved kids. His smile was unforgetable,He always was happy to see a friend. He was a Dad to many. He will be missed.
Ellen Sandrock