Richard Pitlik Obituary

Dear Pitlik family,
I was very sadden to hear of Mr. Pitlik's passing. He made an impact on my life that i will never forget.I was in his home room in the class of 1990 and i have fond memories that will never forget. When my father passed away in December of 1989 i remember him going to my fathers wake and taking my to the side and telling my life will be better again. He was a great man that i know his memory will live on in everyones life he touch. Thank you for being an insperation to me Mr.Pitlik and God bless you.

Dear Pitlik Family,

My husband and I were very sorry to hear of your loss. We too
were students of Mr. Pitlik from Drexel Elementary school. He will
always be remembered as not only our favorite teacher but a master of hilarious punishment. To this day we still refer to him
frequently and share the amusing stories with our 15 year old son.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. He will truly be missed.

Matt and Marie Bolz

Mr. Pitlik was my Favorite teacher at Drexel Elementary. Because of his teaching Math became my favorite subject! I always loved to talk about him to my friends & was pleasantly suprised when I crossed his path again at Morton College. He will be forever remembered by me & many students of that I'm sure.

Dear Pitlik Family,
I was a student at Burnham School, Class of 1971. My friend and I got in alot of trouble for talking. As a punishment we had to write an essay, 100 words life inside of a basketball. He was soooo funny. I worked for the school district and would see him. He was still funny. I was just telling stories to my son about 8th grade and Mr. Pitlik. He was a friend and a respected teacher. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news. I will never forget him.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Dear Richard Pitlik family and friends,

2 of the pictures that I submitted turned out to be "down sampled" to too low a resolution to be useful. I have posted them at the following links:

Http://picasaweb.google.com/HAKuska/RosePictures/photo#5169621771071003762

http://picasaweb.google.com/HAKuska/RosePictures/photo#5230313750262025314

Henry Kuska, kindergarden class of 43

Dear Pitlik family;
Yes, I too was a student. He touched so many us. You know we all saw things differently. I know he was a good teacher & made sure you understood what he was teaching. We'll all miss him & am sure you all will too. God Bless your family especially in time of need.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Pitlik family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a good man and a once in a lifetime teacher. I also represent the Burnham class of 1980. I am a proud member of the Twit row we were a bunch of young tenacious characters that he must have had a soft spot for well maybe . I remember a classmate trying to turn the tables on him one spring day I beleive it was garlic that was placed outside the windows before Mr.Pitlik left for lunch. Im not sure how he really felt about the prank but he paid everyone back with a chalkboard full of math homework. Mr. Pitlik Thank you for making a big impession on scores of grade school kids. we will never forget you.

I was a student of Mr Pitlik at Burham, class of '71. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but you should be happy in the knowledge of the many lives he molded in all his years as a teacher. He was a good teacher and a better person to all he knew.

To the Pitlik's and entire extended family, my prayers are with you at this saddened time. Mr Pitlik was my homeroom and math teacher at Burnham school in 1980 and to this day i still (and will continue) to talk about the math teacher who had a 'twit' row (that i so fondly remember being in on occasion) and who made me write an essay as to "why i like to chew my fingers in class". I remember vividly, knowing the jokester teacher he was, writing "i do it because they taste good and i know it bothers Mr. Pitlik immensely!" He gave me an A on it. In all seriousness, he was a great teacher and inspiration to me. I will never ever forget him. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Dear Pitlik Family,

I was Mr. Pitlik's student many years ago (Burnham Class of 1980), but my memories of him are still very clear, and always make me smile: being given my nickname in 0-hour Algebra class, working for him during our regular "mathematics" class (NOT "math"!), or getting him easily off-track from the day's lesson just by mentioning the previous day's sporting event!

I became a Junior High teacher myself, and that part of Mr.Pitlik that stuck with me, mostly his wicked sense of humor and the way never gave up on anyone, makes itself known to my own students.

My teacher may be gone, but the good he gave the world is not forgotten and continues to be spread.

Dave Janas

My deepest sympathies Marilyn,

The walks home from school with you, Dick, and Evelyn Trampota are still vivid in my memories. I remember spending hours talking at 24th & Harvey intersection until we each went our separate ways.

It was great to hear that you had five children and that Dick spent his life educating others. I'm sure it gave him great pleasure, and judging from some of his former student's statements, he was very good at it.

You and Dick will be in my prayers.

To the Pitlik Family,
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Richard. He and I went to Our Lady of the Mount school together. Our mothers were best friends, June Brichacek, she even helped Julie out in the beauty shop.'
My sincere sympathy.
Joan Brichacek Wagner

Dear Marilyn & Family,
Just heard from Evelyn (Trampota) Quinn about Dick. My thoughts and sympathies are with you in this sad time. I, also, recently lost my husband; so will include you and Dick in my prayers.

To the Pitlik's and Extended Family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I was a student at Burnham School in Cicero, 1973. Mr. Pitlik was my homeroom teacher, and inspired me to pursue Math and Science; ultimately, I became an Engineer with the DoD. I will always remember with love and admiration his sense of humor and the special care he showed to his students. Farewell, Mr. Pitlik. We will meet again. Until that day, may you receive Gods' love and peace...

To the Pitlik family, which will include all of his students, too;

I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Pitlik as a teacher in 1971. He was the funniest, most original teacher/man and I remember him so fondly. Although he was a math teacher, it was he that helped me discover my love of writing. He loved to assign bizarre essay topics that you would have to write for bad behavior. I guess I was pretty bad because I had to write many and learned the pleasures of satire. There was no greater joy than having him read one of these essays and see him laugh. I knew then, I had hit my mark. I am saddened for your loss; but at the same time I celebrate the man and his legacy.

Dear Pitlik Family,
Heard about his passing from another former student, and wanted to express my condolences.I'm sure it was a rough battle, and he gave it his all; with that crazy sense of humor thrown in just for good measure. I was a student in Burnham from K-9, and as the higher grades approached, I kept hearing about "Pitlik-hope you don't get him",
so in my preteen insecurity, I hoped not, too. And I did not get him for home room...whew, I thought.
Well, I did have him for other classes, and like sooo many other students, formed a respect out of fear! Then, out of love..His style was "unique", sometimes intimidating, but with that "pranster"
side thrown in. You learned,alright, but maybe just not as conventional or laced up as the others.and it didn't matter if something took you 20 times to get it, you tried till you did. And I know, there were many of us,that were sad when we parted ways.
Looking back, he truely cared, and that was not always the norm.
I know he is with God now, getting a well desrved rest. I even bet, he's giving St. Peter some smart
--- line, about the pearly gates being like the wonderful toll roads of the Chicago area..."do I really need exact change, Pete?'
God bless you all, I can only imagine your pain, and tho it dosen't seem possible now, you will all see him again.
Just know he is bathed in God's warm,comfortable light;he is safely Home with the Father.
My thoughts & prayers shall be with you in the many days to come.
With sincere sympathy,

July 16th, 2008

Dear Doug, Susie, Jake, Jamie, Marilyn and Family

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy to everyone. I wish you peace and comfort. God Bless.

Love,

Sue

Rich, Lynn and all:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon his soul.
May he rest in peace.

Dear Marilyn & Family,
I taught across the hall from Dick for 22 years at Burnham School. He brought a great sense of humor to all of the difficult situations we encountered with jr. high students. As a matter of fact, he and Ron Kiefer locked me in a closet on my very first day of teaching---fortunately, they let me out before the students arrived--always the jokester. He touched the lives of so many. I can't imagine your world without him. My deepest sympathy to you all. I know your loss is great.

Dear Doug, Susie, Jake, Jamie and Susie's Mom

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

Love, Carol, Mike, Michael and Cara Caponigro (friends of Doug and Susie)

To Pitlik Family:
We are deeply saddened by your loss of your loved One.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To the Pitlik family:

Thinking of you in this time of loss. Mr. Pitlik was not only a great Dad and Grandpa, but wonderfully funny and clever. He will be missed greatly.

Thoughts and prayers, Anne Nomellini-Miglieri

Cathy, Touraj, Sam, Stephanie, and the entire Pitlik Family,

I simply wanted to say that I am sorry to hear of your loss. From the stories that Reggie has shared with me, it sounds like Dick was a great guy.

Sincerely
Kevin and Jennifer Larson

To Doug, Susie, Jake, Jamie and the entire Pitlik family - Our sincerest sympathies to you all for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy, Joe, Sabra and Noah

To the Pitlik's and Extended Family:
My thoughts are with you and hope your family is comforted with love hereafter.
Love,
Molly

To Rich, Lynn and the entire Pitlik family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Pitlik was a great man and will be missed by many. Please know that we are here if you need anything. Take care of each other.

Love you,

Tracy, Matt, Mia and Ben Kramer

Dear Rich,Lynn,Max,Andrew

Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. Please let us know if you need anything.With our Love...Kevin,Kristine,Charlie

To Sue, Doug, and the Pitlik Family,

Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your Father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Diana and Fred Klaus