Richard A. Vavrina of Bolingbrook, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. He is survived by his wife (and best friend) of 34 years, Eileen (née Leitelt); his three children, Richie, Stephanie, and Jonathon, his son-in-law, Jake; his precious granddaughter, Reagan; his brother Jim Vavrina (Linda); and his cat, Trevor. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Joan Leitelt; several brothers/sisters -in-law; and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. He is predeceseased by his sister, Jan Barrick and her husband Jim Barrick; brothers-in-law, Chuck Leitelt and Joe Leitelt; father-in-law, Charles Leitelt; and his mother and father, Delores and Walter Vavrina.

Rich was born in 1965. He graduated from Marist High School in 1983. He went to work for the Chicago SunTimes at the age of 16 in 1982. After many years of work, and promotions to the title of Pressroom Superintendant, Rich left the SunTimes in 2008. He continued work as a manufacturing manager in the field of commercial printing until January of 2024, when he retired.

In raising his children, Rich loved coaching and volunteering with several organizations. He coached baseball and soccer for many years, volunteered at school events, and helped with equipment for middleschool and highschool band events. He served on the BYBL Board for a number of years, and enjoyed over a decade of umpiring youth baseball. He cherished the time he had with his family. He especially loved spending time with his wife, kids, and grandaughter. He enjoyed taking roadtrips, baking banana bread on Sundays, cooking family meals, going to baseball games, and chatting with neighbors in the front yard. Rich took pride in being present to support his family in every way possible. This quality lives on in those who loved him.

A visitation and prayer service will be held on Saturday, December 7th at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home at 530 W Boughton Road in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Visiting hours will held from 12:30pm until 4:30pm, with a prayer service commencing at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.