Richard Joseph Smolnicky of Chesterton passed away on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at his residence. He was 81.

He was the oldest of three children born to John Edward Smolnicky and Helen (nee Bobrick) Smolnicky, both of whom preceded him in death. Richard was born in Gary and was a graduate of Froebel High School where he was on the track team and active in theater. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps-WW II and was stationed on The Solomon Islands. On May 13, 1950, he married his beloved wife of 54 years, Delores May (nee Elia), who preceded him in death. Richard ran a family grocery business in Flint, Mich. After moving back to Northwest Indiana, Richard started a Tom’s candy distributorship. He later became an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance. He was an avid golfer with the nickname of “Rick The Rocket.” A Chicago Bulls and Bears fan, he enjoyed rib grilling for his family with his special secret sauce.

He is survived by children David (wife Laura) Smolnicky of Hammond, John (Catherine Wong) Smolnicky of Munster, Richard Smolnicky of Chesterton, Deanne (husband Dave) Fleming of Merrillville, and Karen (David) Read of Porter; grandchildren Julie (Ryan) Affolder, Shawn Flagg (Nick Stur), Amber (Aaron) Nixon, Kaitlin and Shannon Fleming, Samantha, Allison, David and James Read; great-grandchildren Wyatt and Jillian; brothers Robert (Pat) Smolnicky and Dennis (Rae Ellen) Smolnicky; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and special granddogs, Jack, Angie, Mulder, Skippy and Snookie.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 9:15 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home going to St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Brian Chadwick officiating. Internment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. www.burnsfuneral.com

Posted 12/7/2010