Richie A. Gemmell

If you ever heard someone holler, “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!”, odds are you were in the presence of Richard Alexander Gemmell—or as the general public called him, "Richie" or "Senator". To his family, he was "Dickie", to his nieces and nephews, "Uncle Boo Boo", and to his daughters, just “Dad”—though he'd often remind them, “Do you think it’s easy being me?”

Born in Chicago, Richie met the love of his life, Kathleen Athans, when he was her paperboy (yes, the original rom-com). Their families lived across the street from each other, and after six years of dating, he finally convinced her to marry him in 1969 at Saint Christopher’s in Midlothian. From then on, he dedicated his life to making sure her car was always filled with gas, preparing her favorite snack of potato chips and Champagne, and that Friday nights were always spent at Aurelio’s in Mokena.

Richie spent 38 proud years as a pipefitter for Union 597 and made a career out of building America, one Miller Lite at a time. He’d often say, “Let’s go! We have America to build!”. He was also a dedicated member of the Mokena Lions Club, which he affectionately called his "retirement job", and played an integral role in St. Mary Church 125th Anniversary, personally building the entertainment stage. Richie and Kathy were Teen Club Leaders, and developed lifelong friendships.

When Richie wasn’t busy working or volunteering, he was doing what truly mattered—enjoying life. His second home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona became his personal paradise, where he and Kathleen met at "the wall" every day at 4:30 PM to watch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail or two. His favorite part? Throwing out the empty beer bottles in the dumpster just to hear the startling noise (it’s the little things in life).

Richie was a man of routine and a man of sayings—many of which are now family staples. He’d greet new waitresses with, "I’m dry as a cob!", follow that with "I need an emergency Miller Lite!", and remind everyone that "there’s a sandwich in every glass of beer." When someone asked what he needed, his simple response was, "A couple of kind words."

His three daughters were his pride and joy, and though he adored them, their endless chatter often led to his famous quip: “That’s why I drink!” But one thing was for sure—nobody made Bloody Mary’s (in the right glass!), brats in the brat tub, or chili by the batch quite like Richie. Nothing brought more joy to see that his daughters married the right men. When asked if he liked his sons-in-laws Richie replied was “No, I love them”

Richie was a fun guy, generous but private, precise but full of mischief. Whether he was price-checking everything against the cost of a case of beer or holding court at his reserved seat at Aurelio’s, he did it all his way. He was a legendary storyteller, a master of calculated decisions, and a man who truly lived by his words: “Cheese and rice! Oh, for cry eye!”

Richie is survived by His loving wife of 55 years, Kathleen (Athans) Gemmell; His daughters; Susan (Vincent) Mellens, Cindy (Robert) Gamboa, and Amy (Jedd) Sperling; His Godchildren, Denise Kubiak and Dana Woods; His siblings, Rose (Mike) Ciolkosz, Joseph (Judith) Gemmell, Phyllis (Jerry) Schultz, Fran (Bruce) Strimel; His in-law siblings, Pat (Hugh) Bailey, Mary (Leonard) Strand, Judy (Tim) Dorsey, Loretta Athans, Bob (Liz) Athans, David (Sharon) Athans, Jim (Mona) Athans; more friends than could be counted, cousins, nieces and nephews and numerous other family members.

Richie spent many joyful fishing trips in Winneconne, Wisconsin, and Lake Erie with his dad and brothers, creating memories that will last long beyond his time. A man of tradition Richie was often seen out walking for his daily 3 or more mile walks, where he took in the nature and enjoyed his routines.
Richie was preceded in death by: His parents, Thomas & Cecilia Gemmell; his parents in law Robert & Marion Athans; His siblings, Thomas Gemmell, Alice (Herb) Adamson, and Sally Gemmell; his beloved nephews and other family members.

In honor of Senator Richie Gemmell, raise a Miller Lite, eat a sandwich (or just drink a beer—same thing), share a kind word, and remember: We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.
Rest easy, Senator. We’ll meet you at the wall at 4:30.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Richie's honor at mokenamiracles.com