Richard W. Serdar

Richard W. Serdar, age 90, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 2, 2025. Richard was born in Joliet, IL to his parents Samuel and Lucy (nee Perpich) Serdar on May 15, 1934.

Richard was born and raised in Joliet, IL, graduate of Joliet Township High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis University. He proudly served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from 1956 until 1962, with significant time spent overseas. He earned his Master’s Degree from Northwestern University. The pursuit of gathering knowledge is undoubtedly a good way to live a life. However, the decision to then share that knowledge with others, so that they may benefit, is a great way to live a life. That was the decision that Richard made and the life that he lived. He spent his career as an educator working to make the lives of those in his community better by sharing his knowledge. He was a teacher at Washington Jr. High in school District 86. Richard and his wife Deanna raised their four children in Joliet, continuing to make positive additions to the community that they held so dear. Richard’s passion for educating could only be matched by his dedication to his faith. He was a devoted member of the Saint Mary Nativity Parish. He volunteered as a member of the St. Mary’s School Board. He was a member of the St. Mary Nativity Men’s Club and the Croatian Club, all while still finding the time to support his children and grandchildren in so many of their pursuits. He coached basketball at St. Mary Nativity School and St. Joe’s Little League Baseball. He cheered on his loved ones from the stands at every opportunity throughout his life. He was also a proud member of the Carpenter’s Union Local #174, and enjoyed woodworking as one of his favorite hobbies. In his recreational time, he enjoyed bowling, creating stained glass, woodwork, and planting and maintaining many fruit trees on the family property, and was known to roast an excellent lamb for special occasions. He was a devoted husband, father, and son who supported his family in ways too numerous to count. He loved and honored his Croatian heritage, always fondly remembering the time he was able to have visited the old country while in the Army. He was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan. When a life of ninety years still feels as though it wasn’t enough, that’s when you know how truly special a person was in life. If you ask any of his family members today, they will all most certainly tell you that ninety years was not enough. They will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Lucy; his brothers Stephen, Michael, Daniel, and Edward in infancy; his brother John (Evelyn) Serdar; his sister Mary Edwards (nee Serdar); and his brother Edward Serdar.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years Deanna Serdar (nee Ferrari); his daughter Mary Serdar; his sons Richard (Linda, fiancé) Serdar, Stephen (Janet) Serdar, and Daniel (Julie, significant other) Serdar; grandchildren Joseph, Michael, Matthew, Mark (Kathryn, fiancé), Anne, and Samuel; great grandchildren Brooklyn, Delaney, and Henry; and his sister-in-law Nancy Serdar. Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Richard’s name to either EWTN Global Catholic Network, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Friday April 11, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Saturday April 12, 2025 at 9:00 am for closing prayers before we will travel in procession to Saint Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment will immediately follow Mass at Saint Mary Nativity Cemetery, 601 Caton Farm Rd., Crest Hill, IL.