Richard J. Derylak, 83 of Delavan, died April 4, 2013, at Village Glen of Geneva Crossing in Lake Geneva, after slowly losing the battle with Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his wife Carol Corbeille-Derylak.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Polish community, he attended Lane Tech High School After serving in the Army and the Reserves during the Korean War, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Illinois.
He worked most of his life in accounting and credit management at Liquid Carbonic (which became Enron, Houston Natural Gas and now is Praxair).
His free time was spent golfing and skiing with bachelor buddies and helping his widow mother Katherine, who also battled Alzheimer’s near the end of her life. His father John had died from consumption while Richard was still a teenager.
Upon retiring, he found his late-in-life sweetheart in Wisconsin and there followed a first-time marriage for both. The couple became snowbirds, wintering at his Florida condo and summering at her condo, which views Delavan’s golf course at Eagle Point.
According to his family, Richard was much loved by everyone for his wit and friendly manner as well as respected for his good business sense.
Following cremation, a celebration of his life will be scheduled later in Illinois for friends and relatives.
Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association are suggested.
Monroe Funeral Home, Delavan, is assisting the family.
