Richard “Mazzi” Brodzik, 70, of LaSalle passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday, February 22. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 27 at 11:00 AM at St. Hyacinth’s Church in LaSalle. Fr. Gregory Jarzombek will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the church on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. The Burgess Funeral Home of LaSalle is handling the arrangements.
Richard was born on November 8, 1953 at St. Mary’s Hospital in LaSalle to John and Anna (Tomaszewski) Brodzik. He went to St. Hyacinth’s Grade School, graduated from LaSalle-Peru Township High School, and attended IVCC. He was a maintenance worker at the American Nickeloid in Peru for many years and retired from there. He was also a union representative.
He married Lori Curatolo on September 3, 1983 at Holy Rosary church in LaSalle. Richard and Lori recently celebrated forty years of marriage.
Richard was a member of St. Hyacinth’s Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 792 of LaSalle. He enjoyed planning their annual golf outings in the past. He loved spending his time cooking - especially his famous antipasta. He loved working in his garden and canning his summer vegetables. In his quiet time, he liked working a sudoku puzzle, listening to old time radio, and watching old time television programs. He cherished time with his family, friends, and his four legged children: Kittie, Brody, Ollie, and Millie. Richard had a heart of gold and a warm, magnetic soul that touched the lives of many.
Richard is survived by his wife Lori, two daughters, Emily (Colby) Pasholk of Yorkville, and Katherine (Paul) Bruins of Ashburn, VA, three grandchildren, Ira, Ada, and Anna, one brother, John (Tina) Brodzik of Elk Grove Village, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for his favorite charities.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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