Richard J DuSold, 84, of Park Ridge, passed away at home after a long illness on February 8.  He was surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy, and his daughter Elizabeth.  He will be missed by his son in law Robert O’Connor and his grandchildren Alex and Pixel DuSold-O’Connor.  He is also survived by his niece Laurel Gorman-Squitteri (Paul Squitteri) and nephews Brice Gorman and Lee DuSold and a great grand niece and 2 great grand nephews.

Richard grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and attended Stone grammar school.  By the time he was 17, both of his parents, John and Ruth DuSold, passed away.  Richard went on to graduate 2nd in his class from Lane Tech High School in 1956 where he was a commander in the ROTC.  He had to finance his own education starting at Purdue University, then the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, graduating from Northwestern University with his B.S.  While working full time for 26 years at Continental Bank he completed his M.B.A. from Northwestern and earned the position of an officer at the bank.  While at the bank he ran the book donation drive benefiting Chicago Public Schools.  He also was an active member of the Chicago United Way representing the bank.

Richard met Dorothy at the Melody in May dance at the High Ridge YMCA in 1955.  They continued to date while each went to separate colleges in different states.  They married in September of 1959 and continued to work in Chicago until they moved to their home in Park Ridge where their daughter, Elizabeth, was born.  Richard was very proud of all the accomplishments that she made in both school and ice skating.  He always made it a point to attend all of her activities.

Park Ridge became the center for Richard’s community activity life.  He served as a member of the District 64 school board and helped to form Open Gate, a gifted and talented program for children in District 64.  He  volunteered for the local variety shows at Roosevelt and Jefferson schools, building their props and sets while also working with the stage crew.  He was president of the Friends of the Park Ridge Library and ran the semi annual book sales for over thirty years.  He was a member of the Park Ridge Heritage Committee and helped to get 2 books on Park Ridge published.  He served on the  board of the Park Ridge Community Fund for 34 years.  At the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra, he served on the board and also acted as stage manager for their performances.  For many years he built props and sets for both the Oakton Ice Arena and Skokie Skatium ice shows, helping at skating competitions for both rinks. 

Over the years of renovation, Dorothy and Richard’s home became a unique showplace for their artistry.  Much of the furniture and decor in Richard and Dorothy’s house was designed and constructed by them, using many salvaged and recycled materials. A member of the Park Ridge Garden Club, Richard built much of the hard scape for their elaborate forested oasis in the midst of the suburbs.  The garden was showcased on one of the Park Ridge Garden Club garden walks.  Richard was proud of his accomplishments and his activities within the community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Park Ridge Library or your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late April.