Richard "Dick" Gannon

Richard Gannon ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Ryan-Parke Funeral Home - Park Ridge on Mar. 17, 2026.Richard Charles Gannon was a devoted husband, an eccentric father, a playful grandfather, a dependable friend, and a conversational trickster.He was born on February 5, 1947 and raised in Akron, Ohio, the eldest of eleven children by John and Catherine Gannon. Dick leaves behind his wife, Maureen Anne, née Cefalu, his children, Erin Elizabeth Gannon (George Quinn), Eric William Gannon, and Maureen Kelly Lawrence (Brian, Bridget Leigh, and Alana Mae), brothers Michael, James (Kathy), Charles (Judy), Patrick, Kevin (Angela), Timothy (Joyce), Bernard (deceased) and sisters Karen (Bradd Rosenquist), Carol, and Kathy Gannon Bost (Fred) along with many nieces and nephews.Dick graduated from St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in 1965 and from the University of Notre Dame in 1969, where he met his future wife, Maureen. Upon graduation, Dick was drafted into the US Army. While there, he earned his master's degree in finance from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, got married, and started his family. Upon discharge, the family settled in Park Ridge, Illinois.Dick was proud to be the Associate Director of Client Services at Chicago-based advertising agency Leo Burnett, where he was a company man. Dedicated and enthusiastic, Dick took the Metra Northwest train to downtown Chicago and walked the three miles to and from his office every workday for 30 years. He retired in 2013. For years, he also taught business classes at Oakton Community College.The family traveled far and wide, from Florida to California to Cape Cod, returning often to Glacier National Park in Montana. From there, Maureen and Dick traveled widely: Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, and Sweden. While traveling, Dick managed a unique posture – he was a curmudgeon about keeping his daily routines, yet adventurous and open to new experiences.Dick was an equal partner in his marriage. He did all the shopping and cooking and became quite the chef. Not only did he serve gourmet meals every night, on time, he made all the lunches. Dick helped the kids with their projects and did his share of carpools. He was very proud of the adults they have become.Dick was an avid reader and lover of music. His tastes in both areas were as diverse as they were expansive. His family shares his passions for good food, books, and music.Dick's grandchildren were his crown jewels. He attended every event. His final goal was to make their graduations from Emerson Middle School and Maine South High School. Sadly, he didn't make it.Dick's doctors described him as "strong as an ox." He battled his way through three cancers, and his family feels blessed to have been with him throughout his final campaign.A celebration of Dick's life will begin with a visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home at 120 S Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 and culminate in a funeral mass on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, 920 Granville Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068.Funeral information please call (847) 823-1171 or visit ryan-parke.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.