On January 6, 2023 Richard Alois “Rick” Marsala, 53, went home to be with his Lord and Savior.
He was born on June 27, 1969 in Chicago, IL.
On May 29, 1994, he married his best friend Kristie Marsala of Fox River Grove, IL. They were married for 28 years. He loved their daughter, Katelyn Marsala, as they always were watching Marvel movies, riding roller coasters, and listening to music on their many road adventures. She was his best buddy.
Rick is survived by his mother, Mary Bouray of Rockford, IL; and his two sisters, Dawn (Dave) Seeman; and Tina LeJeune. He was so proud of his nieces and nephews, Samantha, Brad, Jackie, and James. He especially loved being a great uncle to Floyd, Maisey, Elliot, Charlotte, Sydney, and Lydia.
He was preceded in death by his father Richard Marsala Sr.
Rick was a graduate of Marengo High School. He was affiliated with many organizations that were close
to his heart, including Appalachia Service Project, the barber shop 2nd City Chorus, and a member of the
Frist United Methodist Church of Belvidere, IL. Upon moving to Virginia, he was greatly part of the
Riverton United Methodist Church, serving on the Elder Board, singing in the choir, the Methodist men
group, and playing his trumpet in the orchestra.
He was employed with Johnson Controls for 29 years. He was very hardworking and dedicated to his
work and proud of his accomplishments.
He enjoyed being in the garage to fix and rebuild old cars whenever he could, of course with his music or
a classic radio story like “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” up nice and loud. If he was not tinkering with cars
in the garage, he was enjoying his self-made movie theater with full surround sound. He really loved
NASCAR racing and would always watch on Sunday or was listening to it with his headphones while
mowing grass, always super-fast of course.
Fishing with friends was always a great activity that he looked forward to. His family called him the “bird
whisperer” for he liked to attract and watch the various birds that live around his home. He touched more
people’s lives than he knew with his love, compassion, respect, humor, and his wonderful smile.
A celebration service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 at Riverton United
Methodist Church by Pastor Marc Roberson with the receiving of family and friends one hour prior to the
service from 1 to 2 p.m. Following the service, there will be light refreshments at the church.
The private burial will be at a later date. His final resting place will be at Bennett’s Chapel Cemetery.
We have so many wonderful memories of our good friend Rick. We met him and his beloved family at the Methodist church in Belvidere and had so many wonderful experiences, mission trips, sister dogs, NASCAR, family adventures and church experiences. He was a wonderful friend, talented at everything he did and will be so very missed. He was an awesome husband and father. He was a loving faithful man.
I’m beyond lost for words. Rick was an extremely wonderful person and will most definitely be missed. He was taken way too soon but will always remain present in my heart.
You were a great man, one that I admired and respected for how you lived life. When we first met 25 plus years ago in Rockford I knew you’d be a great friend. We did a lot of work projects together over the years. I always enjoyed our lunches at noodles and company and that smile was one of a kind. Words can not express the impact you had on those around you. We will always have the memories brother and you will be missed dearly but loved more than you can imagine