Richard Michael Comerford's Obituary
DECATUR- Richard Michael Comerford, 62, of Decatur, died surrounded and loved by his family on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Molloy, presider. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 on Tuesday evening at the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, with Vigil Prayer services at 4:30 PM. Interment with the “Flight Home” Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Catholic Charities or to St. Mary’s Hospital. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Richard was born on April 10, 1946 in St. Charles, MO., a son of Richard H. and Genevieve Mary (Ochs) Comerford. He attended St. Peters Grade School and graduated in 1964 from St. Charles High School, St. Charles, MO. He graduated in 1968 from St. Mary’s of the Plains, Dodge City, Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree and later earned his MBA Degree from Illinois State University. Richard attended post graduate sales training at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and immediately went to work for Ingersoll Rand Tool and Hoist Division in Omaha, Nebraska. His successful sales career with Ingersoll Rand brought him to the Decatur area in 1971 and earned him the position of National Sales Manager for Caterpillar Tractor Worldwide. In 1978, he started his own company, Decatur Airtool and Compressor, which grew into a successful family owned business and continues his legacy today.
Richard was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a long time member of Southside Country Club.
Richard is survived by three sons: Christopher and wife Claudia Comerford of St. Louis, MO., Michael and wife Megan Comerford of Decatur, and Matthew Comerford of Decatur, one daughter: Sara and husband BJ Kennedy of Decatur, four grandsons: Ian and Collin Comerford, Hunter and Alister Kennedy, four granddaughters: Emma, Evelyn, Eloise and Anna Comerford, former wife and friend: Marcia Comerford of Decatur, two Aunts: Kathleen and Betty Comerford of St. Louis, MO., and four cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Cheri Comerford and Mary Rhodes and one daughter: Mary Louise Comerford.
The family would like to thank the ICU nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their loving care, both personal and professional, during his three week stay in ICU.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?