OBITUARY
Richard Frank Hlavek
April 7, 1946 – February 3, 2021
Richard F. Hlavek, age 74, of Palos Heights, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
Beloved husband of Linda (nee Liedtke) Hlavek; Richard was a loving father to Stacy Michelle (nee Coyne) (Edward) Wright and Kyle William Coyne; cherished grandfather to Cary Anderson Wright; dear brother of Nancy L. (nee Hlavek) Porter; loving Unka to Vickie (nee Porter) Thomas and great Unka to Lillie Thompson. Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Betty Hlavek.
Richard coached 46 years of various sports at Reavis High School, Hinsdale South and York and mentored thousands of coaches and players. He had a passion for racing sailboats and sailed Chicago Mac Race for over 25 years and the Port Huron Mac. Richard’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Orland Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the State of Illinois, which allows 50 or fewer guests at the visitation and services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear facemasks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
A visitation and service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W. 143rd St., Orland Park. Family and friends will be gathering from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 5:00 p.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, In Loving Memory of Richard Hlavek to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Richard's service will be lived streamed. Please click the link www.asimplestreaming.com/hlavek by 4:45 p.m. If clicking on the link does not work you may have to copy and paste it in Chrome browser. You may also click on "Add A Memory" and leave an online condolence to the Hlavek Family.
Services
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Visitation
Monday, February 8, 2021
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Funeral Service
Monday, February 8, 2021
Memories
Richard Frank Hlavek
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMichael Manderino
February 10, 2021
Coach Hlavek would work with basketball players at Reavis in 1990-91 even though he wasn’t coaching in the program at the time. He worked with me on my footwork. I always remember his attention to detail and his focus on my improvement. It was a small moment but was a big impact on me as a player and later as a basketball coach myself.
Bill Hill IV
February 8, 2021
The world has lost an incredible person. I had the privilege of being in Mr. Hlavek's class between the years of 1994-96. At first I didn't always agree with him, but then I saw his passion for wanting me to learn to do things the right way and the best way. I carried that learning experience from him through my entire career, and look back on those days grateful to have had a teacher like him. He will truly be missed by many. My condolences to the family. May you rest in the comfort of the Lord, Mr. Hlavek.
Doug Murray
February 8, 2021
Our sincere condolences to the family. Dick was a good man who's presence encouraged us all to be better people. It was an honor to teach and coach with him. Doug Murray and Family.
Tim Kuban
February 7, 2021
Condolences do the family of a great educator, friend to many and family man. He taught me a lot on small engine repair, knowledge I still use today. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Snyder
February 7, 2021
Terry Kowalski
February 6, 2021
I had the honor of coaching with Dick at Reavis. He was a good coach and a good man. He loved life and lived it to its fullest...why not. Rest in peace Dick. Thanks for your tutallage.
Dale Nickos
February 6, 2021
I graduated Reavis in 1988. Mr Hlavek was one of those teachers that kept people coming back to school. Need more people like him.
RIP Mr Hlavek.
Jeffrey Sierakowski
February 6, 2021
Sorry for your lost coach Hlacek coached me freshman year at Reavis sorry to heard he passing pryers
Kenny Haas
February 6, 2021
It hurts my heart to see our planet lose a good soul. Dick loved the water, he will be on a boat somewhere sailing, or fishing with George Ihnat. I had a great time fishing with Dick and George. George spent a great deal of time sleeping in the boat, Dick would yell, "Come on "I-Ball" get up!! You are such a sloth...the only animal that would rather sleep than eat!" I Loved his sense of humor, I'm sure he will be bringing smiles and luck to us all down here. May peace be with your entire family. Love Kenny Haas
In the photo, that's Dick on the right next to George, Dick actually caught a pike, the previous year, one an inch longer (45") than the beast George is holding up.
David Carstensen
February 6, 2021
He was my Metals teacher junior year 1976 and he was always a great teacher who would help when you when you screwd up and show you the right way to get the job done !! R.I.P.
Artie Gamino
February 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Coach Hlavek. As a basketball player at Reavis, I will always remember him giving me tips when I was at the scorers table and at halftime in the locker room. Fast forward a few years, He fed me more knowledge, this time myself as a coach, while we had a drink and he drank his Champagne of Beers! He was a class act and a great man and coach. He will be missed.
Joshua Reichling
February 5, 2021
Sad to hear, He was a a great memory and teacher from High School. His Replacement Ms. Ryan, actually Mentored my daughter through Reavis Jr/Sr year. Mr. H changed lives, Prayers to the family!