Richard T Furlong Sr

Richard Teric Furlong, Sr. 68, of Bradley, IL, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, September 25, 2016 He was at home, surrounded by his loving family. Rich began his successful firefighting /paramedic career with the Harvey Fire Department as paid-on-call in the mid 1970’s. His hard work, training, dedication, and love for the job earned him promotions. He retired as Deputy Chief of the Harvey Fire Department in May of 1998 and moved to Bradley, IL. However, retirement didn’t suit him. He missed the firefighting camaraderie. He decided to join the Bradley Fire Department as a volunteer and eventually gained the rank of Assistant Chief. He spearheaded and was responsible for training many Kankakee County firefighters in Haz-Mat and had a part implementing Haz-Mat in Kankakee County. Throughout the years, he shared his knowledge and experience by teaching fire sciences at several suburban colleges, was an active member of the South Suburban Haz Mat Team, ESDA (Emergency Service Disaster Agency), and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management). Rich was also the proprietor of his own electric company, Rich & Sons Electric, where he shared his knowledge of the electrical trade with his sons and many others. Rich’s intelligence, bravery and wit touched many in his professional life. Rich is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Ladislas) Furlong; his sons Richard(Lisa) Furlong, Jr.; Mike(Stephanie) Furlong; Larry(Laura) Greenwood; daughters Suzanne(Bryan) Pinto; and Heather(Trent)Makare; His greatest joys were his many grandkids, Joshua, Richie, Colton, Amber, Jeremy, Joseph, Cayden, Alystin, Kayonna, Jaylynn, Adelena, Trenton, Amara and Avery. They will miss his bad jokes and consistent teasing. They loved him dearly. Additionally, he is survived by his father, Bob(Rebecca)Furlong; brothers, Alyn Furlong, Bill(Jan) Furlong, and Dan Stokan; his sisters Vera(Brad)Seydel and Leslee(Steve) Ciecierski; and many nieces and nephews. Rich will be remembered by his favorite pastimes. His enjoyment of practical jokes, and bad jokes, were continuous. He loved doing the crossword puzzle, camping, fishing, designing fire trucks, wearing his crocs, smoking cigarettes, playing freecell, swimming in his pool, watching movies and oh, how he loved his brownies and a good milkshake!! His laughter was contagious. He loved people. Rich was completely loved and will be wholeheartedly missed. Preceded in death by his mother Moina(Imam)Furlong Memorial Service Please join us to share your stories. October 8, 2016 Visitation starting @ 1pm Service/Eulogies @6pm Firefighter Walk Through to be announced. Church of God Worship Center, 420 Cardinal Dr. Bourbonnais, Illinois