Richard J. Vrtis

Richard J. Vrtis, age 72, of Detroit, Michigan passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Loving husband of 34 years to Rebecca. Beloved father of Matthew Vrtis and Eric (Danielle) Vrtis. Proud grandfather of Owen, Nora, and Veda. Dear brother of Thomas (Mercedes) Vrtis and William (Deborah) Vrtis. He will be especially missed by his extended family in the Chicago area.

Richard was preceded in death by parents Thomas and Joanne Vrtis, sister Susan Vrtis, and brother Gerard Vrtis.

Richard proudly served in the Navy on the USS Midway during the Vietnam Era. He was trained as an electronics technician and used those skills during his career upon his arrival home, working in electronics for about nine years. He dabbled in the insurance business, working at AAA and Frank Hand Agency. After some time, he began to miss working hands-on and returned to working with copy and fax machines for Hovinga (later Ikon/Ricoh). Rick was in the Livonia Rotary and served as a baseball coach for various Little League teams in the area, including at Our Lady of Loretto School. Richard was an avid reader, gardener, skilled baker, and lover of music. He enjoyed researching his family's history and genealogy, bird watching, and playing card games. He cared deeply for animals and contributed to their rescue. He had a knack for fixing almost anything, including the many cars he restored. Above all, his main passion was being a father and a grandfather. He remained faithful throughout his life.

A memorial gathering will be held Friday, March 22, from 2:00-4:00pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152, followed by a memorial service beginning at 4:00pm. A livestream of the service will be available.