Richard T. Gesiorski

Richard T. Gesiorski, age 70, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 at University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City, IA. A funeral mass will be held in his honor at St. John Catholic Church, in Hanover, IL, on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 10am. Visitation will occur one hour prior to mass. Burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, in Elwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America or the Chicago Police Dept. Memorial. Family and friends are invited to share in Richard’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Richard was born June 2, 1950, in Chicago, IL, the son of Thomas Gesiorski. In 1969, Richard joined the United States Army, faithfully serving his country in Vietnam through 1971. Following his time in active duty, he went on to service in the National Guard for a number of years. In 1981, Richard married Dolores Sweeney. The couple enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage, together.

Richard’s service to his country and his community didn’t end with his military career. He spent 50+ years in law enforcement, first for the Chicago Police Dept., then the Illinois Gaming Board. He remained a proud member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 928, of Northwestern Illinois. In his free time, Richard enjoyed fishing and golf, and was an avid dog lover, caring for many beloved dogs throughout his life.

Richard will be dearly missed by his wife, Dolores; brothers, Thomas Gesiorski, Richard (Patricia) Sweeney, John (Veronica) Sweeney, and Guy (Susan) Sweeney; uncle, Donald Kaner; a niece; and numerous nephews and cousins. Richard is preceded in death by his father, Thomas.