Richard Carani

Richard Carani, 86, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, longtime Lake County, Ill. resident, and beloved patriarch passed away July 8 peacefully at his home. Richard’s life journey began in Chicago, born to Paul and Rose Carani. He graduated from Our Lady of the Angels grade school and St. Ignatius High School. He later met his bride to be, and they shared many love letters while he proudly served in the U.S. Army.

Upon his return from service, Richard started a family and began a career in the grocery business managing several Jewel Food stores in the Chicago western suburbs. In the mid 1970s, he moved his family to Libertyville to open his own stores, Richard’s Villa Market in Lake Villa and Richard’s Prime Meats in Lindenhurst. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by his unwavering work ethic. Later Richard worked in the trucking industry and finished his career at Shure Microphone.

Richard was a man of genuine character and quiet strength. He was a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus, and enjoyed the brotherhood of service and faith, as faith was the center of his life. Richard was adopted into the 2018 Libertyville Citizen Hall of Fame for his service with the Knights. 

Known for his witty and charming humor, Richard’s presence brought laughter to everyone around him. He was an avid WWII history buff, trivia connoisseur, and had a profound love of music. 

Richard cherished the time spent with his family, especially their camping trips to the mountains and the peaceful moments at his “healing place” in Minocqua. He enjoyed looking out at the water and listening to the sounds of the loons. 

Despite a 25-plus year battle with Parkinson’s disease, he was graceful, and always found his way of bringing love and generosity around him. He routinely stated his wish and commitment for “peace on earth”. Richard’s memory will be treasured, and his absence deeply felt. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, his children Richard (Carol), Mark (Julie), Steven (Jana), Christine (Dragan) Dabizljevic, and Kimberly (Dominic) Neisen; his grandchildren Travis (Jolene), Ryder, Meadow, Claire (Michael), Jonathan, Ellie, Alex, Lillie, Phoenix, and Keegan; his great-grandchildren Cody, Blake, Cameron and Caden; his siblings James (Mary) and Bob (the late Kathy) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald (Carol).

Visitation for Richard will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11 at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Joseph Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville. Private interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, please address memorials to the Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ or St Mary of Providence in Chicago https://smopchicago.org/. Funeral info call 847-362-2626.