Richard F. Shay

Richard F. Shay was born on January 8, 1943, in Chicago, IL and passed away on November 16th, 2025, at the age of 82. Dick was the third child of Richard and Margaret Shay and grew up in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Chicago, IL. His family were active members of Christ the King Parish in Chicago, IL. Dick attended Christ the King Elementary School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Leo High School and Wilson Jr. College in IL. Dick later obtained his Operating Engineer’s License and continued to take classes offered by the Operating Engineer’s, Local 501. Dick also took voice lessons in 1980.

Dick met Joanne, his beloved wife of 43 years, on May 5th, 1979 at a 1st Communion Party hosted by his friend, Jerry Lenihan. They were married at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Palatine, Il on October 29th, 1982. In 1985, Dick & Joanne relocated to Las Vegas, NV, where they lived for 40 years. Dick & Joanne rescued seven dogs during their 43 year marriage - Barking Barney, Ginger, Hootie, Sam, Skeeter, Jack & Lola. Dick loved his furry friends!

Dick worked at many jobs early in his career but his favorite was working as an Engineer at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Dick was responsible for the general maintenance of the casino & administrative offices. He took pride in his job and loved the variety of the work he did, which included plumbing & electrical work. He especially enjoyed making daily rounds to see what needed repair, while sharing jokes with his fellow hotel workers. Dick retired from the Excalibur Hotel in 2003.

Dick was an avid golfer and in 1993, began taking lessons at the Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas, NV. Over the years, he played golf with two different groups and enjoyed playing at courses in Las Vegas, Mesquite, Boulder City, all in NV & also played many of the courses in St. George, UT. He eventually gave up golf due to his declining vision but always cherished the time he was able to play.

Dick’s family and friends all fondly remember his wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh & have fun. He was passionate about his beliefs and hobbies, attributes he retained his entire life. He was a member of Sertoma & supported the Leo High School Alumni Association in Chicago, IL. In Las Vegas, he was an honorary member of the Emerald Society, served as an officer of the Golden Memories Classic Car Club and ran the Operating Engineer’s Retiree Club. He was a proud, patriotic citizen who served in the Army Reserves for six years. Dick made several lifelong friends while in the Army.

Dick will be dearly remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle, brother- in-law and friend. He could always be counted on to help others in need and would go out of his way to lend a helping hand. Dick often volunteered to serve holiday meals for the homeless. Dick loved to record & listen to music, enjoyed photography and cherished his 1971 Chevy Nova & 1994 Mazda Miata.

Dick was ill for many years due to congestive heart failure and although he often wasn’t feeling well, he expressed gratitude for anything that was done to help him. He always thanked his wife & nurses for the care given to him.

The loss of Dick is grieved by his wife Joanne, his sisters Suzanne Saletta & Virginia Murphy and in-laws: Jan Buchmiller, Marilynn Farrow, (David Farrow) John Joseph (Joe) Buchmiller (Debra L. Buchmiller), Gloria Rubison (Charles Rubison), Joyce Bostrom (Pete Bostrom), Janet Brocato (Bob Brocato), Barb Bartik (Tom Bartik), Therese Buchmiller (Lori Koshork), Lisa Pavlick & Dorothy Buchmiller. Dick will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Dr. John D. Saletta, Peter Murphy, William Peter Buchmiller, Charles R. Buchmiller, Bill Burns, Steve Lesner, sister-in-law, Deborah Ann Buchmiller and both of his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Palm Southwest Mortuary, located at 7979 W. Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89113, on November 22, 2025, starting at 3:00 pm.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at Christ the King Parish, 9235 S. Hamilton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60643, beginning at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 6001 W. 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois, 60803, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Leo High School in Chicago, IL.