Richard M. Micus

Richard Micus possessed remarkable magnetism, from the moment he was born on March 22, 1974 in Chicago, IL to Donna Micus, until his sudden passing on January 8, 2022 at the age of 47, with his daughter Jordan Micus by his side. He had the ability to immerse anyone in conversation, no matter the topic, and the drive to immerse himself in whatever he felt passionate about. He was an encyclopedia for his interests; of which, nineties hip-hop, literature, billiards, and the Chicago Bulls only scratch the surface. Whether it was his intelligence, his sense of humor, or his genuine curiosity and compassion, there’s a plethora of reasons why Rick was someone you wanted in your corner.

He grew up in Back of the Yards on the South Side of Chicago, with his mother Donna, his sister Monica Coady, and her father Mike Coady. He would bump Beastie Boys on a boombox with his best man, Tony Chappell. He was a gifted writer who was incredibly well read, and he was good with numbers, too. Other close family members that he grew up with include his grandmother Dolores Micus, his grandfather Alexander Micus, his aunt Barb and uncle Bill Haupt, his cousins Billy and Bryan Haupt, his uncle Bob (Robert) Micus, and his aunts Carol Corter and Sharon Watterson.

Richard was a natural leader and enthusiastic learner, which was evident throughout his schooling at Sacred Heart Elementary, Glenwood Military School for Boys, Bogan High School, and his numerous occupations - ultimately leading up to his software sales positions, where he masterfully applied his conversational tact. It would be a mistake to chalk up Richard’s skills to pure talent. This is a man who studied, asked questions, and learned through trial-and-error. He was on a quest for acquisition of knowledge. Rick wasn’t afraid to make mistakes because he understood that mistakes were part of it all. If he was going to try, he would go all the way - the Rick Micus way.

The Rick Micus way was with style and integrity. You thought you knew what “cool” was until you met Rick. With his White Sox baseball caps, his hoodies, and sneakers, there was something so effortless about how he carried himself. From the way he walked in stride, to the way he could orchestrate an audience with his storytelling - his mannerisms were trademark to his personality. On top of that, the humanity he brought to each interaction made anyone he came in contact with feel seen and heard. It didn’t matter how old you were, what you looked like, how much money you had, what stupid shit you may have said or done - he didn’t judge. He treated everyone like a real person, and never took life too seriously. It was about having a good time. Anyone who knew him, or even knew of him, wanted to grab a beer, pull up a chair, and ask, “Can I kick it with Rick?”

He eventually moved to the North Side of Chicago, where he would have his daughter, Jordan Ashley (aka Monkey), with Denise Cuevas in 1996. The qualities that made Rick such an outstanding human, like his wisdom, love, open-mindedness, and unwavering support, were amplified by his fatherhood. He was more than just a “fun” dad or a friend to his daughter, their relationship was unique. He described themselves as, “simpatico.” They exchanged music since she was a kid, which continued on until their final concert together a few weeks before he passed. If you asked Jordan what made her dad so amazing, she would never stop talking. And if you asked Rick what made his daughter so amazing, he would do the same.

Rick’s last years were spent in Joliet, IL with his soulmate, Crystal Harvey. He is also survived by her family and friends who became that of his own over the fourteen years that they’d known each other; her daughters Aliyah and Isabella Mercado, Aliyah’s children Reign Mercado and Penny Rudnicki (aka Nugget), Crystal’s mom Marianne Harvey, step-dad Wally Martin, brothers Jason and Jake Harvey, cousins Don Schopf and Larry Honaker. He loved to spend quality time with his old lady and their “Bub,” Roscoe, on walks. He also loved tinkering in the garage, and going on fishing trips with his best buds, not to mention his other two loves - his Tacoma truck and his camouflage cooler, always stocked with his favorite beer - Coors Light.

Rick was a friend above it all. Any of his family members, acquaintances, and colleagues can attest to this. During his sales positions, he became one of the “Cloud Boys.” The others in the friend group referred to him as “dad” because of his slight age difference and generous teaching, but his age was just another butt to their shared jokes. In the same way that he embarked on his mastery of pool with his buddy Alex Cuevas in the mid-90s, he pursued numerous home improvement projects with his buddy Jason during his 40s; without a clue what they were doing at first. Rick valued relationships as opportunities for everyone involved to grow. Like how he embraced the differences between himself and his childhood best friend Tony, who was the yin to his yang, he also embraced all that his daughter Jordan, who was one of few that could give him a run for his money, had to teach. It was beautiful how much he believed in his loved ones.

His good looks are also not to be forgotten. He was so handsome that his nickname back in the day was, “Face,” and so it remained an appropriate nickname until his passing. His conversational tact may have slipped the last four days, but those who knew him could have a conversation without him needing to say anything back.

Rick had a fearlessness that allowed him to lead a life of fervor, striving to align himself with what mattered most to him. His legacy lives on through his friends; his connections from all pockets of his life.

Where are YOUR friends tonight?

Rick’s memorial service will be held at: Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life on a
Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

1211 Plainfield Road

Joliet, IL 60435

For the health and safety of everyone in regards to the pandemic:

There is a 4 hour window for the service to prevent crowding.

We will be providing KF94 masks and hand sanitizer upon entry.

We recommended that participants have three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

We ask that you stay home if you have experienced symptoms within 5 days preceding the service.

Rick’s life will also be celebrated with a party at a later point, where his friends from all walks of life will gather to pour one out in his honor. Details are pending but until then, start thinking about what songs should be on the playlist of his life!