Richard W. Giltner, a long time resident of Burr Ridge and Hinsdale, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on April 16 at the age of 82. Richard was born on the north side of Chicago on November 4, 1935, the son of a first generation immigrant mother from Germany, and the third of three children. After graduating from Lane Tech High School and serving four years in the army in the mid 1950s, he obtained his bachelors degree from Roosevelt University thanks to the GI Bill, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.
Following graduation, Richard started a four-decade career in the advertising industry, most of it as a television sales representative. Early in his career he met Dianne Shaughnessy, and despite their north side/south side differences, they were married in 1960 and raised four children together. During those years Richard was active as a volunteer in the community including as a Little League coach, an AYSO referee, a Toy Express Toy Drive volunteer, and as a long-time lector and choir member at St. Isaac Jogues.
Upon retirement, and after 40 years of dormancy, Richard revived his high school thespian talents, participating in numerous Hinsdale Community Reviews and musical theater productions at the Hinsdale Community House. In addition to the many friendships he formed, one of his fondest memories was riding in the Hinsdale 4th of July Parade as the Mayor of River City from the Music Man. In terms of athletics, what he may have lacked in ability he more than made up for in determination as demonstrated by his completion of 9 consecutive Chicago Marathons, the first one at the age of 60.
His other interests included old movies and a life long passion for classical music and the CSO (not to be confused with his questionable, late-in-life attempt at playing the banjo). Like many, as a diehard Cubs fan he finally realized his dream of a World Series Championship in 2016. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dianne, his sister Dolores Gill, his children Kathy (Dirk) Glaubke, Richard A. (Kristen Laakso), Christine Kroeze, and Keith (Kristy), and his grandchildren Rebecca (Peter) Schneeman, Eric Glaubke, Zoe and Jonathan Kroeze, James, Audrey, Caroline and Julia Giltner.
He was preceded in death by his brother George Giltner. Visitation will be held from 5pm-8pm, Friday, April 20, at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook. Family and friends will meet for the funeral mass at 10am on Saturday, April 21 at St. Issac Jogues, 306 W. 4th St. Hinsdale.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association, www. lbda.org.
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