Richard “Rich” Duda, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025.
Born on March 18, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, Rich was the son of Paul and Helen (Kuman) Duda. He married Mary “Terri” McKenna in 1972, and together they built a warm, enduring family life over more than five decades.
The proud father of Tricia McCann (Sebastian), Rick Duda (Frankie), Kevin Duda (Yazmin), and Danny Duda (Jessica), and a devoted grandfather to Kaitlin, Meghan, Erin, Payton, Samantha, Patrick, Danny, Aydan, and Eliza.
Rich spent much of his life running the family business, Duda Movers, which he took over from his father and led with pride. The company remained a central part of the family’s life until his retirement. Outside of work, he enjoyed tackling DIY projects—building, repairing, and improving spaces with his own hands, and often lending that skill to friends and family.
As a proud Chicagoan, Rich had deep affection for the city’s traditions—especially its sports and food. He loved cheering on the Cubs and Bears, even when he couldn’t make it to the ballpark or stadium, and never passed up a slice of Lou Malnati’s deep dish, a Chicago dog (no ketchup, of course), or a classic Italian beef sandwich—all favorites that grounded him in the city he loved and reflected the simple pleasures that brought him joy.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and brothers Jeff Duda and Ron Duda (Fran), and was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Duda and Kenneth Duda.
Rich will be interred in a columbarium where he and Terri will be together again.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, with visitation at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com or by calling (847) 515-8772.
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Danny, I never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
We would like to offer our deepest Condolences to the family and friends, 🙏❤️. Very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear this. 💔🙏🏻 Sending love and prayers to you all.
Sorry to hear of Rich's passing. You are in my prayers cousin. RIP 🙏
Sending my deepest sympathy to all of Rich's family. Tricia my thoughts are with you and Seb and all the children.
To the family of Rich Duda. I wish to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. I enjoyed meeting Rich when I visited Chicago and send you all my love.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and beyond.
I am so sad to hear this about Rich. Losing Terri was so hard for him. I was Exec Director of the IL Movers' and Warehousemen's Association and had many enjoyable conversations with both Rich and Terri over the years. They were both very sweet people and were so very proud of your family. You have my sincere sympathy.
From Rick’s Cubs family at CCC18 (FB)… our deepest sympathies. We will miss him😔
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.💕. Cousin
Wishing your family, my sincere condolences in this East Coast. View bunker fish near New York the loss of Richard, he worked for my company for quite a few years and we always had a very good lasting relationship and he was a wonderful employee and obviously after reading his obituary, he was a loving, wonderful, father husband grandfather my best to your family.