Richard Francis Pacult

Born in Chicago, IL in the waning years of World War Two, he was the beloved first child of the late Richard Francis Pacult. Sr. and the late Helen Ann Banasik Pacult Daniels; the brother of Frederick Paul Pacult (Susan G. Woodley) of Wallkill, NY; the father of John Sebastian Pacult (Maureen Meci Pacult) of Las Vegas, NV and Derek Paul Pacult of Olympia, WA; the grandfather of Ayden Sebastian Pacult of Las Vegas, NV; step-grandfather of Jenna Meci of Las Vegas, NV; and the cousin of Michael Peter Pacult of Fremont IN, Edwin Franklin Pacult, Kathleen Ferbos of Jackson, WI, Patricia M. Weinfuss of Buffalo Grove, IL, Roberta FerbosCrimaldi (Corky) of Chicago, IL, and Deborah Weinfuss of Palatine, IL.

Rick was a graduate of Notre Dame High School for Boys in Niles, IL and Loyola University Chicago.

Prior to relocating to Las Vegas in 1974 where he worked first for Clark County and later in the pharmaceutical supply industry, Rick enjoyed the warmth and support of his large extended family on the northwest side of Chicago, IL. In his youth in the 1950s and 1960s, summer days were filled with softball, Whiffle ball, family picnics, Foster Avenue beach and fishing. Midwestern autumns were occupied with football, school, where he was always an excellent student, and driving his beloved 1957 Chevy. Chicago winters were taken up playing ice hockey with his brother at Oriole Park. An avid fisherman, Rick was taught as a boy how to angle by his father and uncles and never missed the opportunity to casta line into any body of fresh water.

Rick’s conviction in the power, vastness and sanctity of the universe was a guiding force throughout his adult life. He valued kindness, the Detroit Red Wings, and simplicity above all. His love for his sons and grandson was as boundless as his belief that we are all nothing more than passing shadows of stardust. He never missed his grandson’s soccer matches or a family holiday. Rick was very generous to his friends and family and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke.

He treasured taking care of the planet, conserving water, recycling, composting and gardening. He was an organ donor as well. He had a lifelong love of music and we know he is “Walking on Sunshine” right now. Somewhere with his wry smile, he istoasting life with a vodka gimlet, straight up and no ice, dressed in his Red Wing jersey.

A private gathering commemorating his life will take place with his family and close friends on Saturday morning, November 5 at the Vintage Desert Rose Senior Apartments in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests that you please make donations to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org in his name.