Richard "Dick" Zelinko

Age 83 and a lifelong resident of Coal City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Born February 29, 1940 in Coal City, Richard John was a son of Andy and Dorothy (Ward) Zelinko. He was raised in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1958. On February 27, 1960, Dick married Patricia Phillips in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and together they made a home and raised their two children together.

Dick was employed as a laborer for 40 years, and was a member of the Laborers Local #75. He worked for many years at the Braidwood Station and went on to retire as an in house contractor. His skillful mind and resourceful talents carried through not only at work, but also at his home. Dick was blessed with the gift of creativity and purposeful intention that could solve most all problems by using his mind and hands.

He enjoyed traveling with family, and was a huge car enthusiast who enjoyed going to car shows with his brother, Andy. In addition Dick took great pleasure in caring for his yard and home, as well as gardening, and picking and canning vegetables.

Above all, Dick was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He was an exceptional long-time caregiver for his wife, Patricia, and leaves a legacy of being one who could always look for ways to change things for the better. Gone from our sight, Dick will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Michael Morrall; daughter-in-law: Julie Zelinko; grandchildren: Kyle (Alicia) Morrall, Kara (Ryan) Barks, Megan (Daniel) Leleniewski, and Mitchell Zelinko; two great grandsons, Christian and Maverick, and his brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Carol Zelinko.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia, and son, Jeffery Zelinko.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway (one block north of Illinois route 113) in Coal City on Thursday, May 11, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Friday morning, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Josh Miller presiding, and Deacon Bill Dunn assisting.

A private family inurnment will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dick’s memory to The Coal City Fireman’s Association, P.O. Box 219, Coal City, IL 60416

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dick’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)