Our beloved Richard Thomas Stanciu, a resident of Wheaton, died unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 4, 2007. The first son of John and Mary, Richard was born in Uniontown, PA on July 22, 1936. He was 71 years old.

Richard was raised in the southwestern Pennsylvania coal mining area of Leckrone and Carmichaels. He attended All Saints grade school and graduated in 1954 from All Saints High School, Masontown, PA.

In prayer and trust in God, and the desire of their hearts to give their children better opportunities, Richard's parents moved with their five children – Dolores, Richard, John, Cecelia and Mary Catherine – to Melrose Park, IL, in late 1954.

In 1959, Richard met Marilyn Weckel, who was the beautiful vocalist at the wedding of his sister Dolores. The following year, Richard and Marilyn were married on August 6, 1960.

Richard and his wife Marilyn are the loving parents to Debra (Don Olson), Robin (Beecher Abeles), and Elizabeth. They had seven special blessings: their grandchildren Aaron, Katie, Mary Beth and Mark Olson; and Maggie, Ryan and Ally Abeles.

Richard's career spanned five decades in civil engineering, contracting and land development in suburban Chicago. He began with Consoer, Townsend Consulting Engineers in the 1950s, and was involved in the original construction of the Eisenhower Expressway. An entrepreneurial man, he was an owner/partner in the underground sewer and water construction business.

He played baseball as a young man, including a short stint in the minor leagues. He was also an avid golfer and long-time member of Medinah Country Club. He loved relaxing with family and friends. His graciousness and hospitality made all who attended gatherings at his home feel welcomed.

Richard was a loving, caring and generous husband, father and friend. During his life he experienced many blessings, a wonderful extended family and countless friends and acquaintances. Richard looked forward to high school reunions with his friends from Pennsylvania.

"What do I remember about him? Well, it's hard to pick and choose, but for one thing, I had this standing joke with him, something I would say to him from an old commercial – 'often imitated, never duplicated.' Yeah, he was one classy guy. He had personality. He liked people. He was a good friend to many, and was well-liked. We'll all miss him."

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children and grandchildren; and his siblings Dolores (Robert) Stewart of Winfield, John (Francine) Stanciu of Florida, Cecelia (Ray) Feld of Winfield, and Mary Catherine (Ralph) Velasco of St Charles. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 9, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, 520 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton. Private interment will be held at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the American Refugee Committee in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the DuPage Homeownership Center in Wheaton; First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton.