Arthur Paul Richard Jr.

Art was born in Berwyn, IL, in July of 1948, the son of Art and Dee (Teeter) Richard. During his childhood, his family moved around the Chicago suburbs but ultimately made a home on Wonder Lake.

After he graduated from Woodstock High School, Art enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. It was there he met Judy Pomerenke on an incidental blind date. They married in Wenona, IL, in August of 1970; she survives.

Art and Judy raised three children: Paul Richard (Jane Tan) of Atlanta, GA; Kate Sly (Matt) of Champaign, IL; and Sarah Ford (Dan), of Springfield. They also have four grandchildren: Darwyn and Ramona Sly of Champaign, IL, and Addie and Tanner Ford of Springfield, IL. Art is also survived by his brother, John Davis (Pam), his brother-in-law, Bob Pomerenke (Roger Duenas), his sister-in-law, Mary Riley, and two nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew.

Art began his career with Black and Company in 1970 as a clerk in the Champaign hardware store. In 1974, he accepted a transfer to Rockford, IL, to manage the branch and oversee the build of and manage a new store. In 1986, he accepted a transfer to Decatur, IL, where he eventually became the Director of Purchasing and Manager of Information Systems at the corporate office. He was passionate about his work for the company in all of his roles. He retired from Black’s in 2015.

Family, friends, and community were very important to Art. He loved his college friends from the days of 401, the pinochle/computer nerd club in Rockford, his community at St. Thomas Church and neighbors on Longwood Court in Decatur. He loved cheering on the Illini and still felt connected to that block “I” that identified his alma mater. Art had a strong faith that he practiced in many ways. His family’s membership at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Decatur was important to him, and his involvement was a true witness to others. He taught confirmation classes with Judy, led the youth group, served on the pastoral council, sang in the choir, and served as cantor.

In 2023, Art and Judy moved to Springfield, IL, to be near the support of family. In 2025, Art moved to memory care at the Villas of Holly Brook.

Family and friends are invited to Christ The King Catholic Church 1930 Barberry, Springfield, IL., for a memorial gathering on Monday, February 16,2026, beginning at 10:00 am followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 am. Fr. Mark Tracy, Celebrant. Inurnment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wenona, IL.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the National Aphasia Association at https://aphasia.org.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424.