Racine – Surrounded by his loving family, Richard John Fox, age 76, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 following a nearly 25-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Richard was born in Burlington on September 2, 1937 to the late Peter R. and Blanche E. (nee: Brandes) Fox. Growing up on the family dairy farm, Dick developed a strong work ethic at a very young age. A 1956 graduate of Westosha High School, he went on to work as a utility service field crew member at Wisconsin Natural Gas for many, many years. In retirement, Dick spent several wonderful years living at Home Harbor – where he established a great circle of friends.
Dick was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Among his interests, Dick was a craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands to create unique tables, chairs and walking sticks. Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he enjoyed running, cycling, skiing and ice-figure skating. Above all, he loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family – especially his adored nieces and nephews.
Surviving are his loving sister, Joan (Louis) Arnone of Racine; brother-in-law, Bill Cavanaugh; nephews, Michael Cavanaugh, Drs. Mark (Valerie) Cavanaugh, Phil (Amy) Cavanaugh, all of Colorado; David (Nan) Arnone of Racine, and Donald (Kathy) Arnone of Plymouth, MN; niece, Carrie (Scott) Fregien of Racine; great-nephews, David Peter Arnone and Joseph Cavanaugh; great-nieces, Alison, Hilary, Sarah and Katie Cavanaugh; Sophie and Emelia Arnone; special friends, Margaret Heinze, Jesse and Yolanda Sosa, Jim & Darlene Ludwig; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Carole Cavanaugh in May of 2011.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 7, 2014 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, at 11:00 am with Rev. Terry Huebner officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9:30-11:00 am. Private burial will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Dick, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church or to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation have been suggested.
Patti Larson says
My Mom, Wanda Shaeffer, was a resident of Home Harbor for 3-1/2 years. I often went over and dealt the afternoon poker games where I met Richard. He was such a nice gentleman and I enjoyed all my visits with him. My Mom passed on January 1, 2014 and I really miss all the friends and staff from Home Harbor. I know Richard will be deeply missed.