Obituary: Richard F."Dick" Talaga, Sr.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Richard F. "Dick" Talaga, Sr.

Age 85, of Shorewood, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at home surrounded by family after a brief battle with blood cancer.

Dick served his country with honor and integrity as a proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Following his service, he remained dedicated to public service, later becoming the Mayor of Shorewood. As the former owner of Talaga Sheet Metal, he earned a reputation for his craftsmanship, work ethic, and business integrity. Remembered for his wit, generosity, and steadfast devotion to loved ones, Dick was a pillar of strength and compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his children, Richard F. Talaga, Jr, Michael (Tracy) Talaga, Jennifer (Howard) Talaga, and Sheri (Dan) Kerns; daughter-in-law, Olivia Marvick; his beloved grandchildren, Nicole (Colin) Kastner, Dominique Talaga, Antonio (Elle) Talaga, Richard Talaga III, Gabriel Talaga, Michaela Talaga, Autumn Talaga, Maj. Brett (Averie) Krueger, Milenko Vuckovich, Alexis Vukovich, Alysa (Robert) Phipps, Kayla (Jonathan) Hines, Isabella Marvick, Beck Marvick, and Ethan Marvick; great-grandchildren, Erik, Liam, Caleb, and Porter; siblings, James (Patricia) Talaga, William (Diane) Talaga, Joyce (the late Ron) Motsinger, and Carol (David) Mayes. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Dick is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Talaga; sons, Gerald "Jay" and Michael "Mickey" Marvick; parents, Louis and Josephine (Martinich) Talaga; and brother, David Talaga.

Visitation for Richard F. "Dick" Talaga, Sr. will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd), Joliet, IL. As it was Dick’s request, cremation rites will be accorded following the services and his final earthly remains, along with Carol's will be interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans or the Wounded Warriors Project.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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