Richard Podgorski, age 84, of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2026.

Richard is the devoted father to Dan (RoxAnne) Podgorski and Kathy Podgorski; proud grandfather to BreAnne Podgorski, Courtney (Dylan Angell) Podgorski, Lincoln Podgorski, Caden Podgorski and Miley Podgorski; cherished brother to Patricia (Frank) Piekarski; loving uncle and faithful godfather to Timothy (Wendy) Piekarski and Pamela (Rick) Rezack; cherished former husband to Virginia Podgorski with whom he shared a lasting bond of family and friendship.

Richard moved from Dixmoor to Harvey where he and Virgina started their family and opened his accounting business.  He and his family moved to Lansing where he owned and operated RJ Podgorski and Associates until he retired in 2017.  He provided accounting, payroll, tax, & financial consulting services to hundreds of clients, many of whom became friends and were treated like family.  Richard selflessly served his community as past President and long-time member of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce.  He also was a long-time member of the Lansing Rotary Club and served as an appointed member of the Lansing Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a member of All Souls (St. Ann's) Catholic Church, and he was also a member of the Lansing Knights of Columbus. After retirement he loved spending time with his family as much as possible and took particular joy in watching his grandchildren grow up. Richard was a huge animal lover and supported animal rescue for many years. He also rediscovered his love of dancing and just prior to the pandemic he was planning on starting a Lansing Jitterbug Club.  Richard truly had a heart of gold, was always up for a get-together and sharing a few laughs whenever possible, and throughout his life was willing to help any person or animal in need.

Due to weather, Visitation will be Friday, August 14, 2026, from 4:00-8:00pm at Schroeder Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road in Lansing, and again from 9:00 am until  Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Saturday, at All Souls Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Rd. Lansing, IL 60438.  He will be laid to rest near his parents at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.