Richard Francis Pajka

Richard Francis Pajka, a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and Vietnam veteran, died September 27, 2025 from Glioblastoma brain cancer and Parkinson's Disease. He was 77.

Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois August 17, 1948 to Alice (née Malinowski) and Frank Pajka. He grew up alongside his younger sister Mary Ann and enjoyed fishing and cooking during his childhood. He graduated 8th grade from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School on the Far South Side of Chicago. He went to Chicago Vocational High School and later earned an associate's degree in applied science from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.

He served the United States Army from 1968 until 1970. In 1971 he married Patricia Josephine DuChene at St. Bride Catholic Church in Chicago. During their 54-year marriage they welcomed their daughter, Jeanne Annemarie, and Richard happily made thousands of cups of hot tea for Patti in the evenings. Those closest to him said he enjoyed quietly doing things for her to show his love.

Richard had a great time cheering on his Chicago teams – the Cubs and the Bears – and making fishing trips to Canada. On Saturdays in the fall he could be found watching Notre Dame football with his fellow sports fan and son-in-law, Chad Watson.

Most of his professional career was spent working for Sears, Roebuck and Company, where he worked in shipping and receiving and later in automotive.

One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren, Summer and Ryan, participate in sports such as swimming, softball, cross country, track and baseball. He was well known for his baking skills, especially when it came to re-creating his mother's beloved pound cake and his mother-in-law's date nut bread to share with friends and family.

To Richard, presence was important, and he spent time with those he loved. From vacations to family dinners, he was present with those who called him Richard, Dad, Poppa or Uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Howard DuChene; brother-in-law Dennis DuChene and his wife Barbara; and sister-in-law Luella Fifer and her husband Robert. Richard is survived by his wife, Patti (née DuChene) Pajka; daughter Jeanne Pajka Watson and her husband Chad; grandchildren Summer Elizabeth Watson and Ryan Richard Watson; sister Mary Ann Zaba and her husband James; sister-in-law Lydia DuChene; sister-in-law Nancy Przybyla and her husband Ronald; and many nieces and nephews.

Prayer Service Monday October 6, 11:30am at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Full Military Honors will follow the Service at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at 2pm. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

Those who wish to make a gift in memory of Richard are encouraged to give to the Lions of Illinois Foundation: Camp Lions – Camp Wish List. Visit https://lionsofillinoisfoundation.org and select Donate Now. Then select Programs and Services as the donation type. Scroll to Camp Lions – Camp Wish List to contribute. The foundation and camp, which serves those with hearing and vision needs, was important to Richard because it's important to his grandson.