VANA, RICHARD T.

DES PLAINES – Richard T. Vana, 92, was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Chicago, and passed away March 29, 2016, in Des Plaines. He was a U.S. Marine Raider and veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Area Command. He was a Purple Heart recipient with two Congressional Commemorative Mentions. He operated Community Cab in Des Plaines for many years before retiring. He was a founding parishioner and active member of St. Stephen Protomartyr Church. He was the beloved husband of the late Marion R. (nee Cvikota); loving father of Craig (Cindy), Mariann (Paul Sr.) Bilodeau, Thomas (Mary Karen), Roy (Barbara), Pam (Tom) Erkel, Tim (Julie), Elizabeth “Libby” (Bill) Giovanni, Ellen (Joe) Ecker, Christopher and Charles (Jill); dear grandfather of 28 and great-grandfather of 19; fond uncle of Alyce Martinez and many nieces and nephews. Visitation Sunday, April 3, 2 to 8 p.m. at Matz Funeral Home, 410 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect. Lying in state Monday, from 9 a.m. until the Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church, 1280 E. Prospect Ave., Des Plaines. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.