(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Richard Robert Konarski, 67, of Kenosha, Wisconsin passed away bravely and peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, surrounded by the love and strength of his family. Though he left this earth too soon, his spirit will live on in the hearts of daughters Stephanie (Juan) and Melissa (Shane), his son Robert, sisters Kimberley (Richard), Karen and Kathy (Robert). His grandchildren Michael, Gianna, Anthony, Ethan, Vincent, Nicholas, Aiden, Giovanni and great grandchildren, Jaylah and Damon, beloved nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins and countless friends.
Affectionately known as Ricky or Rick by his family and Rich by his buddies and colleagues, he was the second child of his late parents, Richard and Priscilla. Born on June 27, 1957, he was raised in Chicago’s Peterson Woods neighborhood and baptized at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. He attended Minnie Mars Jamieson Grade School and Stephen Tyng Mather High School.
Rick’s journey through life was one of passion and deep connections. He married beautiful Pamela, with whom he had two daughters, later divorced. Time passed, he reunited and married his school sweetheart, Barbara and together they had a son.
As a child, Ricky had a knack for adventure-building back yard plywood forts, exploring as a Scout, fixing and riding minibikes, and cruising the neighborhood in loud hot rods. His work ethic developed early, starting as a newsboy pushing a wooden wagon to deliver papers, then working at Chicken Unlimited and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Over the years, he wore many hats-as a Merchandiser with his father’s R&K Signs and Displays business, managing at Nationwide Papers, running his limousine livery service, and delivery for Rick’s Floral.
Rich’s legendary built-in navigational skills led him to a long career as a Courier for Chicago Messenger and Dynamix, crisscrossing cities and states on demanding routes with ease. Lastly, he found great fulfillment as a Medical Transport Driver and Logistical Scheduling Manager at Southport, where he was admired for his calm composure, multi-tasking abilities, and problem-solving skills.
A true car buff and mechanic at heart, whose passion for classic cars was second to none. Weekends were often spent thrifting for Craftsman and Snap-on tools with his sister. Rick enjoyed fishing, going to the range and meeting friends to discuss current events.
An old-fashioned kind of guy, Rick preferred phone calls over text messages, believing that real connections came from hearing a familiar voice. The highlight of his day was receiving calls from his grandchildren, family and friends. Evenings at home were often spent watching the Discovery channel and laughing together watching the Big Bang Theory with his son, cherishing those quiet moments. He enjoyed breakfast dining out at Tommy’s and meeting his sister at Cracker Barrel for special occasions.
Rich lived a simple yet fulfilling life. Life was good surrounded by nearby family and friends. He was known for his big heart, easygoing nature and sharp sense of humor. If you had a chance to know him, you were lucky to love him. He will be truly missed by all.
A Celebration of Ricky’s Life will be held at a later date when friends and family can gather to share memories and honor his legacy.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th, Street Kenosha
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Bridget Donofrio says:
May God bless our cousin, Ricky.
Stephanie says:
It means a lot that you came to support him and us!!!! Thank you!
Karen says:
Dear Bridget,
Thank you for your kind words for my favorite brother! You know I miss him so much!
Love,
Karen
Vincent Dattilo says:
I am sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I had met and assisted Richard on a couple occasions regarding personal business.
He was both simple and dignified. I would tell him “with a voice like that, you should be on the radio!”
For his family and close friends, please accept my condolences.
Vincent Dattilo
Karen says:
Vincent, Your kind words mean more than I can express. Thank you for honoring his life with your thoughtful message. He is truly missed, but his spirit lives on in all who knew him.
Ramona Griggs says:
Rich was Dispatcher at Southport Transportation the last several years I was a driver there. At first, we did not like each other but somewhere along the way we became friendly, and it was always a good time teasing him. He gave as good as he got! I will remember him fondly.
Karen says:
Hi Ramona, Your kind words mean more than I can express. Thank you for honoring his life with your thoughtful message. You know, you only tease the people you like! He is truly missed, but his spirit lives on in all who knew him. My favorite brother Ricky is at peace!
Take care, Karen.
Mike Nardi says:
RIP Rich. You were a good man. Your skills and line of BS was well appreciated. I said I would never hire someone that worked for a competitor. So glad I made an exception because you became a close friend. So sorry you never made it up north. Keep an eye on the kid from up there. Prayers for your family. RIP
Karen says:
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your thoughtful note and for sharing your memories of Ricky. It means so much to our family to know how highly he was regarded and the impact he had at Southport.
His work was a priority for him every single day, and he truly valued his time at your company and cherished his friendships. I know he took great pride in his responsibilities, approached his job with dedication, and had a strong work ethic. He would say, I can still hear his voice in my head “Hi Karen, busy, I can’t talk now, I’ll call you later!” Knowing that his efforts were recognized and appreciated brings us comfort during this difficult time!
Thank you again for your kindness and for remembering my favorite brother Ricky in such a meaningful way.
Sincerely,
Karen.