Richard "Rick" Sampognaro

Richard Allen Sampognaro (68) passed peaceful Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 in Homewood; after a multi-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer.  Born (9/24/56) and raised in Harvey, IL with siblings; Pat Liace (dec. Rocco), Butch Sampognaro (dec. Sharon) & Bill Sampognaro (Tracy).  Married to the Love of His Life, Catherine Sampognaro (Hartley) for 50 glorious years; in Homewood, IL where he raised Heather (Matt Joyce), Julie (Bryan Schaffrath), Amy Sanaghan & Richard Allen Sampognaro Jr (Angela) and was blessed with 10 grandchildren; Brianna (fiancé Aidan), Payton, Allison, Edward, Alivia, Ricky III, Mary, Rocco, Bryan, Sofia and great-grandchild Asher.  Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews; Bob, Sherry, Dee-Dee, Steve, Lynette, Brian, Stephanie, Doug & Eric.  He was loved and cherished by the entire Sampognaro & Hartley Family.

Rick's most cherished moments were spent with Cathy, their family and friends, at "The Compound", at grandchildren's sporting events, dining out and birthday breakfasts where he was the short order cook making everyone's favorites.  Rick was always willing to test the waters in hopes of hitting the big one at the boats.  He found great pride & joy in teaching ALL his grandchildren how to swim.  He supported his family and community as a Retired Lieutenant for the Homewood Fire Department and business owner of Rick's Auto Care, then partnering with his brother Bill at Flossmoor Family Automotive.  Rick & Rick Jr. ultimately combined their talents and established R & R Maintenance, Inc. (Glenwood, IL) servicing municipalities throughout Illinois & Indiana and countless valued customers.

Devoting his time to volunteer for all of his children's activities, Rick built life-long relationships thru Homewood Baseball & Softball and St. Joseph's Church.  He will forever be remembered for his warm hugs, welcoming smile and generous giving spirit.  He is returned to Stephen & Myrtle Sampognaro (Gibson), Kathleen & Jack Cullinan and Ray Hartley.

Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL. 60430 Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 from 12 – 6pm. A Funeral Service will begin at 6pm promptly with a Fire Department Walk Through followed by a Chapel Service. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300 .

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the American Lung Association in Rick's honor would be greatly appreciated

A recording of the service will be available on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. by clicking on the following link: https://vimeo.com/1120605805