Donald F. Richardson of Marco Island, Fla., formerly of Frankfort and Park Forest, Ill., passed away on Feb. 16, 2023, at age 78 with his family by his side.
Don was born in Omaha, Neb. on Oct. 4, 1944, to Donald W. and Marjorie Richardson, and spent his childhood in Modale. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1967, and Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1968.
Don then began his 33-year teaching career at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Ill. Teaching Physical Education, he also coached many seasons of football, basketball and golf. Don was also the head Track and Field coach for 29 years. During these 29 years, his teams and athletes had many successes at the local and state level, winning numerous Conference and Sectional championships and Individual and Team wins at State.
During a tenure with many awards and much recognition, Don was chosen the State of Illinois Track and Field Coach of the Year award in 1992, and was inducted into the State of Illinois Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1992, Don was honored as the first recipient of the Excellence in Teaching award, given by the Greenberg Family of Park Forest in gratitude for the education their children received at Rich Central High School. This was voted on by administration, teachers, parents, current and former students.
Beginning in the early 70s, Don partnered with another local high school track coach to create a weekly publication, The Timely Times, compiling the best efforts of suburban prep track and field athletes with the sole intention of promoting the sport by documenting and sharing such achievements with other coaches from around the Chicagoland area. Together, these men worked tirelessly and selflessly, collecting and ranking meet results to highlight the best performances throughout each season. Don’s professional life was dedicated to his students and athletes and their future success in life. Each and every student was of the utmost importance to him. Don was also an integral part of the Park Forest Scenic 10 Mile Race. He served as the organizer and facilitator of the finish line of this national road running championship for multiple years.
Don cherished his family above all else. He loved to travel with his wife of 43 years, Suzanne, extensively not only to 49 of our states, but also many trips overseas. Particularly special was a trip to Scotland where he was able to visit the home from which his great-great-grandfather departed for America in the 1800s. His love of golf took him to St. Andrews Links in Scotland. It was a thrill of a lifetime for Don to play 18 holes at this prestigious course. Always a dedicated runner, Don had to give it up in his later years but ever physically active, he became a rollerblader and biker in his 70s.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; son, Scott (Natalie); daughter, Leah Hilding (Matt); and stepdaughter, Sara Wessendorf (Dave Kaminski); seven grandchildren, Sam, Henry, Marin and Vivi Richardson, Ryder and Brody Hilding, and Kenzie Kaminski; as well as many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harold.
A celebration of life is being planned for the end of May or beginning of June. There will be posted notification of the date for this service at a later point.
