Richard Glass

Richard “Dick” Peter Glass, Jr., born January 18, 1955, in Chicago, IL, passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2026, in Volo, IL.

He is survived by his children Aeryn J. Glass (Stacy), Jenna Glass (Joshua Farray), and his beloved fur baby, Yin Yang; grandchildren Gibson Joseph and Francesca Rose Farray; siblings Lawrence Glass, William Glass (Lynda), and Cathy Anderson (Wayne). He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Peter Glass Sr. and Patricia Glass; brother Barry; niece and nephew Robyn and Stephen; and cherished dogs Rambeaux™ and Rambeaux Part Deux (not even kidding - haha).

Dick grew up in Rolling Meadows as one of five siblings, known early on for his legendary dimples and natural hockey talent despite regaling us with stories when we were kids about how he was “thrown around the rink like a rag doll.” He married his high school sweetheart, Lisa Cerniglia, and together they welcomed two children. To support his young family, he briefly joined the Wood Dale Police Department before trading his badge for a safer path at home, launching a successful landscaping company he ran for many years.

Even while working long days, Dick poured himself into youth hockey. He coached Aeryn’s travel teams, served as President of the Northwest Chargers Hockey Association, coached the St. Viator Lions, and later founded the Chicago Force/Hitman junior league program. Just as devoted to Jenna’s world, he was a proud dance dad who never missed a performance – always showing up with flowers and a celebratory trip to Bakers Square for a slice of French Silk pie.

In the early 2000s, Dick embraced a new challenge: building one of the largest fitness facilities in the Chicagoland area. His Gold’s Gym in Gurnee thrived for nearly a decade. After selling the gym, he embarked on a series of entrepreneurial adventures - pet limos, military K‑9 care, even pizza chef (for dogs, of course) - before settling into a quieter role at Mariano’s, where he finally allowed himself to slow down and savor life’s simple joys, namely spoiling his dogs and grandchildren.

Dick’s accomplishments were many, but those who knew him remember the man behind them: endlessly curious, sharp-witted, charming and delightful (his words, but hard to dispute), animal lover, a great dresser, a terrible dancer, a Seinfeld devotee, and someone who made action‑movie commentary an art form. He loved heavy metal but happily escorted Jenna and her friends to (multiple) Janet Jackson concerts. He feared heights but still went bungee jumping with Aeryn in Australia. He supported his children fiercely and without judgment, he “Luved us Large”, and as Grandpa Giraffe, he adored his grandchildren beyond measure.

Dick was a force - larger than life, admired, deeply loved, and taken far too soon. He is home with God now, guiding those he loves from the spirit sky.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Save-A-Pet organization. Every donation, regardless of the amount, goes directly to help, heal and house animals and allows Save-A-Pet to continue as a true no-kill organization. https://www.saveapetil.org/

Services are in the process of being arranged. For more information, you may contact his children at glass.sibs@gmail.com. 

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL, 60176