Richard L. Alsip

Richard L. Alsip, 86, of Bradley, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 28th surrounded by his family. Richard was born on January 5, 1940, in Aurora, Illinois, to Lynn and Evelyn (Weiss) Alsip. He grew up in Aurora and graduated from West Aurora High School in 1958. At the age of 18, Richard began working at Blackman’s Roto-Rooter, the family business. What began as a young man’s job became a lifelong career, and Richard eventually became owner. Richard served his community as a member of the Bradley Fire Department. From 1969 until 2003, he served as both a firefighter and dispatcher. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie with all the guys and was ultimately given the nickname "Dick Kool." His years on the department were an important part of his life, and he became a mentor to many of the younger firefighters. Richard loved music, movies, Hill Street Blues, popcorn & milk, and collecting baseball cards. Then, at an age when many people might have decided to slow down, Richard did the opposite. At 70, he became an avid fitness enthusiast and lost 220 lbs. through diet and exercise. To say he was a gym rat would be an understatement. For 15 years, Richard got up every morning before 5 a.m. to go to Riverside Fitness Center. His dedication became legendary to those who knew him there, and he became an inspiration to people both young and old. He was proof that it was never too late to get stronger or try something new. But exercise was only part of what kept Richard coming back. He loved people. A random stranger who happened to sit down next to him would not be a stranger for long. Before they knew it, Richard would have them in a conversation. He had a fantastic sense of humor, but beneath it was a genuine interest in people. He was positive, friendly, and approachable. And if you were connected to him on Facebook, you surely received regular messages with links to fire-related news, or movies and music he thought you might enjoy. Nowhere was Richard's interest in others more evident than in his relationship with his daughters, Lori and Kristi. From their childhood through their adult lives, he was profoundly supportive of them and took a genuine interest in everything they did. No matter how old his daughters became, Richard never stopped encouraging them or letting them know how proud he was. Whatever they pursued, he was behind them 100 percent. He was their #1 fan. That same love and pride extended to his grandson, Tyler, and his great-grandson, Brennan, both of whom he loved dearly. Even as Richard neared the end of his life, he was still thinking about them and their futures. Richard was married 61 years to his beloved wife, Marlene (Rice) Alsip. Together they built a life and family that meant more to him than anything else. Throughout their many years together, Richard was a loving and caring husband. That devotion remained with him throughout his final days, when even as his strength declined, his love and concern for Marlene never did. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene; his daughters, Lori Mahler of Bradley, Illinois, and Kristi Alsip of Cedar Lake, Indiana; his grandson, Tyler Rankin and his wife, Cassidy, of Hickory Hills, Illinois; and his great-grandson, Brennan Rankin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Evelyn (Weiss) Alsip. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Richard's name to the National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Memorial contributions may be made directly through NADS at nads.org, at this link: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E205021&id=3 Or by mail to: National Association for Down Syndrome 1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite #102 Park, Ridge, IL 60068 Services will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Sept. 12th at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee. A private burial will follow.

Richard L. Alsip

January 5, 1940 - August 28, 2026