Obituary of Richard A. Arambasich

Richard Arambasich 

Richard “Dick” Arambasich, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Joliet Area Community Hospice with his loving family by his side.  Richard was born on August 4, 1933, the son of the late Michael and Mary (nee Skala) Arambasich.  He grew up in Joliet and attended Joliet Catholic High School, where he played baseball and graduated in the class of 1951. Richard was a proud veteran of the United States Army,  attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., during his service, and a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Richard worked at Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet, serving in a number of supervisory and managerial roles over the course of his amazing 46-1/2 year career. He retired in 1997, but with his endless energy started a 2nd career in 2000 as a bailiff at the Will County Courthouse for the next 18 years. Richard was known for his wonderful sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and unrivaled storytelling ability. He made friends everywhere he went and loved making people laugh. 

In his spare time, he tended to his beautiful lawn and flowers, which lit up the whole neighborhood. He also enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends, and above all, spending time with his beloved family. You could often find Richard cheering on his grandchildren at their various sporting events. An avid sports fan, he spent countless hours talking football with his older daughter Tamra. He shared a love of history and adventurous curiosity with his younger daughter Debra.

A devoted humanitarian, Richard made several trips to Croatia bringing aid to the poor during the mid-to-late 1990s. Visiting Medjugorge was one of the highlights of his life. He supported many philanthropic causes throughout his 87 years; giving to others was so important to him. But above all, family was his first love. He loved his wife of 60 years Julie beyond measure; it was love at first sight when they met and spent many nights out dancing. He adored his devoted daughters Tamra and Debra, and son-in-law Michael, and his 4 grandchildren Andrew, Brian, Kelly, and Connor were the apples of his eye.  

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Julia (nee Madden); his children Tamra Williams and Debra (Michael) Robbins, grandchildren Brian and Connor Williams, and Andrew and Kelly Robbins; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded by his parents Michael and Mary Arambasich; siblings Helen, John “Scrammy,” Edward “Tarpy,” Michael “Mutzi,” and Mardell. He also was preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many beloved in-laws. 

Funeral Services for Richard Arambasich will be held on Wednesday, April 14, at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL to Holy Family Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcames.com