Richard Kenneth Blaige, 67, peacefully passed away in the presence of his family on June 21, 2021. He was the loving husband of Judy Blaige (Stimpel), brother of Marilyn Prost (Greg), Linda Justin (Scott), Thomas Blaige (Esther), and Judy Ball (Kevin), son of the late Henrietta Blaige, Ed.D and decorated Navy veteran Raymond Blaige.
Richard was an entrepreneur and early stage tech pioneer and innovator who left college and in 1982 co-founded a startup provider of software and hardware system solutions to financial institutions, Triad Software Network, Ltd., which was eventually acquired by global industry leader, FiServ, Inc. As a senior systems analyst and inventor for GE Railcar, he was recognized by the renowned GE Management Development Center in Crotonville for developing a patented (US7627546B2) optimization app which revolutionized the company’s railcar asset management system. He eventually completed his college degree at DePaul University with straight A’s while also volunteering at a juvenile facility teaching computer skills.
Richard’s passions included cooking and entertaining, motorcycles, equestrian, agility, martial arts, dancing and magic. He performed as Houdonit the Magician to the delight of fans young and old. Richard will be remembered by his bubbly and engaging personality and his love to entertain and be with his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held Wednesday July 14th from 9:00-10:00 followed by a memorial mass at 10:00 at St. Mary Catholic Church 10307 Dundee Rd., Huntley, IL 60142.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
We send our sincere sympathy to Richard’s wife, Judy, and all his siblings. We have fond memories of our early years as cousins enjoying family gatherings. Now, the greatest gathering with all those who have gone before is happening. May Richard rest in peace and enjoy the comfort only God can provide.
Rick and I were sort of odd ducks at prestigious Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, coming from the mostly working-class neighborhood of Cragin in Chicago where we knew each other from attending St. Ferdinand's Grade School. I am saddened by his passing and extend my sympathies to his family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My DEEPEST sympathies to the family. May he Rest In Peace....
I am shocked and saddened by the news that Rich has passed. We met at Marmion Military Academy and shared a room our senior year. We would spend time visiting at each other’s home - at his folks home in Chicago or my home in Indiana. I will keep him in my thoughts.
I am shocked and saddened by the news that Rich has passed. We met at Marmion Military Academy and shared a room our senior year. We would spend time visiting at each other’s home - at his folks home in Chicago or my home in Indiana. I will keep him in my thoughts.My deepest condolences to his his family. Rest easy, my brother.