Paul Richard "Dick" Kasak, 88, passed away May 8, 2024, of COPD and longterm effects of pneumonia, with his wife Barb and friend, Troy at his side, in his home on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Dick was born in Lemont, Illinois to Paul and Patricia Kasak (Reardon). He attended school in Lemont and after graduating from high school, he later enlisted in the United States Marines. After his honorable discharge in 1958, he enrolled at Northern Illinois University where he met his future wife Barbara. They married September 17, 1960 and then welcomed two daughters, Caroline and Julie. Dick and Barb raised their daughters in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, settling in nearby Winfield. Early in his career Dick worked for the trucking industry and was a Terminal Manager in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He then built a lifelong career in the insurance industry. After retiring, Dick and Barb moved to St. Simons Island, GA in 2003.

Dick was predeceased by his mother, father, and sister, Patricia Plagenz (Kasak) and his brother-in-law, Richard Plagenz, both  of Columbus OH; his sister-in-law, Jeanine Kinney of Vero Beach, FL; his best friend Lucian Amato of Lemont, IL. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; their children Caroline Howser of St. Simon's Island and her partner Robby Bufkin, Julie Kasak of Wheaton, IL; their son, in everything but name, Ollen
Drones of Chicago, IL; Four grandchildren: Jason Howser of Dunwoody, GA and wife, Rachel; Kyle Howser of Fayetteville, GA and wife Caroline Kilgore; Jay Chase of Cotati, CA and wife, Delaney; Leah Kasak Martin of Wheaton, IL; Three great-grandsons: Briggs, Khoa and Felix; brother Stephen Kasak, of Champaign, IL and wife Debbie; sister Mary Ellen Kasak Saxler of Stillwater, MN and husband, Bob; brother-in-law John
Kinney, of Vero Beach, FL as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dick was a loving caring man and a friend to all. Making those around him feel welcomed and loved was his gift. His good humor and warmth drew people to him and he could make most anyone smile.

Dick valued family above all else and made sure his immediate and extended family knew that he loved and enjoyed them. He was a wonderful father to his daughters, Caroline and Julie. He was once asked if he was disappointed that he didn't have any sons, to which he replied that he was the luckiest guy to have two beautiful daughters and wouldn't have it any other way. He was a hands-on grandpa to his three grandsons, granddaughter, and great grandsons. Dick loved to fish, enjoyed baking, especially pies, and was a lifelong reader of historical books and good mysteries. Dick loved music, from classical to jazz but had some favorites: Willie Nelson, The Traveling Wiburys, KD Lang, and many others. Always a baseball fan, he became an enthusiastic Braves fan, thanks to Robby!

In Dick, everyone found acceptance and understanding. He was a wonderful listener and a lover of life. Dick will always be remembered as a kind, patient, selfless person who was always there for others with words of encouragement, advice, a hug, or a joke. Their lives will be a little
less bright without him.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to neighbor and friend, Troy Gentry, who was a comfort to Barb when Dick passed away. Our thanks to his long term physicians and also his caregivers from First Light Home Care and Hospice of the Golden Isles. A celebration of life for Dick will be held at a future date.