Our loving and gentle father, Richard E. Alessi, 95, of Washington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Born on September 7, 1929, to Peter and Lilly Alessi, Richard grew up in Peoria Heights, Illinois. On September 15, 1951, he married the love of his life, Barbara (Westlake) Alessi.

Soon after their marriage, Richard served in the US Army during the Korean War, returning home safely to build a new home and life with Barb. In addition to being a devoted husband, father and friend, Richard spent the majority of his working life at Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in Peoria Heights and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Richard was an avid bowler, golfer and Chicago Cubs fan. He and Barb enjoyed traveling the country and the world together

on their own and with their family, sharing many memorable (and humorous) escapades and mishaps during their many trips.

Richard is survived by his children Tony (Lilia) Alessi of Severn, MD, Janet (Bob) Alessi-Marrer (of Grass Valley, CA), Cathy (Joe) Alessi-Hausenbauer of Thousand Oaks, CA, Steve (Donna) Alessi of Washington, IL, and daughter-in-law Susan Alessi (Colorado Springs, CO). He was a proud and loving grandfather to David (Sarah) Alessi, Dominick (Tiffany) Alessi, Rachel Alessi, Alyssa Cuellar, Indy (Nikki) Cuellar, David and Andrew Marrer, and Sarah, Daniel and Thomas Alessi-Hausenbauer; and great-grandfather to Carter, Margot and Ainsley; Capri, Sofia, Andres and Mila; Bailey and Bloom; and Elijah and Lola. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Swada and Mary (Bob) Fain, and many other family and friends he held dear.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife Barb, sons Richard and Ronald, his parents, his brothers-in-law Ray Swada, Bernard and Alfred Westlake, and Louis Buehler, and sisters-in-law Joan and Carol Westlake.

A funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, December 16, 2024 St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, IL, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL, where Richard will rest alongside his loving wife.

Richard's family send their deepest gratitude to Illinois CancerCare, Comfort Keepers of Peoria, and OSF Home Care Services Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Center for Prevention of Abuse of Peoria.

Richard's life was a testimony to the power of love, kindness, humor, generosity and gentleness; a good man who will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.