Birth date: May 20, 1953 Death date: Sep 7, 2020
Dr. Richard J. Worel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7th 2020. “Rick” or “Doc” as he was known to those close to him was born in Chicago on May 20th 1953. He graduated from Loyola University and went o Read Obituary
I'm so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We were friends through grade school and on through college, but I lost touch with him after he moved to Michigan and I moved west. The tribute mentions his fondness for pyrotechnics. I remember him making his own smoke bombs and rockets in a shed behind their house.
Jim Hawken
Portland, Oregon
My Father, Richard Worel or Doc as he was called by everybody that knew him, was not only the wittiest, funniest, most compassionate, loving, man I've ever encountered in my 42 yearson this earth; he was also my hero. Being his oldest son has been an honor and a blessing. I love him more than these words could ever prove. He has always been in my corner, through thick and thin. If I could be half the man he was I would feel accomplished. I know he is looking down on us now with a grin on his face and a sly, funny remark to be said. I miss him dearly and his loss has left a gaping hole in my heart as well as my brother's Jordan, Elliot, Logan, Adam, Sean,and Alec . My dear Step-mother Anne, has lost her life companion and my Grandmother (Busha), has lost her loving son. Needless to say , everybody that has known my father feels the loss . I know he's with all of us in spirit and in the presence of the Lord he will remain until we meet again . I Love You Dad Always and Forever!!!
So sorry for the loss of Dr. Worel. He was a great doctor/surgeon. I always recommended him, especially after he saved my step dad's life, his friend Dr. Dixon. I remember standing outside talking with him after the long surgery and he still had his witt and joking with us which lightened the mood and was much needed. You have our families sincere sympathy.
Amy Vantrepott & Family
Anne, Logan and family. Tom & I were so sorry to learn of Rick’s passing.
We pray God’s grace will give you comfort & peace.
One of my first memories of Rick was when the boys, Logan & Will wrestled together in High School. I can still hear Rick from the sidelines (almost on the mat) yelling “Logan, chicken wing!” Rick was passionate, gruff, funny, the best host, a pleasure to be with...One of a kind for sure! We will carry his memory, always. Tom & Terri
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss, Your husband Dr. Richard Worel, was one in a million. I will never forger all the great times we has together while working in surgery. However when things got serious while working in surgery he would know when to get serious.
I remember years ago he did a minor operation on me in his office for a case a beer. How many surgeons would have done that?
Dr. Worel had a "heart of gold" he was a true Physician of Osteopathic Medicine who practiced the true meaning of holistic health and truly loved his profession of practicing his profession of surgery.
I have known Rick for over 20 years and been proud to consider him a friend. As a surgeon at Hackley and Mercy Hospitals he was highly-regarded. From the perspective of an Emergency Physician, I was always glad when he was on-call because I knew he would provide excellent care to my patients if we had a surgical emergency. He was also a heck of a lot of fun with whom to work because he had a truly unique perspective on life and a seemingly endless supply of dirty jokes. Imagine my horror, I mean delight when he hired my wife, Terri, to be his Physician Assistant. During the next six years he was a role model and mentor to her and influenced her decision to go to medical school and specialize in a surgical specialty. He and Anne have also been so kind to my daughters who regard them as "Grandpa Doc" and " Grandma Anne". I have never known anyone with so many diverse interests and endless energy. I am grateful to have known him and miss him already. He was truly one-of-a-kind and I know I won't ever meet anyone else like him.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, Dr. Worel was a one of a kind. Within 4 years of each other my husband and our son both had life threatening bouts with their appendix. Never experienced ICU before the experience with these two. Dr. Worel skillfully worked miracles in surgery. After the second experience (our son), I said to Doc "thanks for saving these two guys!" to which he replied, "They're tough guys, I wouldn't want to getting a pi**ing contest with either of them!" He touched so many lives.
I have such good childhood memories of my old friend Rick when he and his sister Barbara and his parents Dick and Sylvia would come and visit my family in Pennsylvania. I will treasure those memories. I remember as a kid he wanted to grow up to be an eye doctor. Always knew he would do something in the medical field. He was a great guy and will be missed.
I haven't seen cousin Rick much in the last few years but I have lots of great memories when we were growing up in Illinois. Family holidays were the best and he was always up to something interesting and new. My condolences and I will be thinking of you at this difficult time.
I had known Rick since before he was born. My parents and his were good friends in Wilmington, Delaware, before the Worels moved to Tinley Park, near Chicago. The families visited back and forth for many years. As all families have, there were ups and downs, but they always managed to keep going.
His Mom Sylvia and sister Barbara are still good friends. I'll miss Rick and am so sorry for his passing, much too soon.
From and old east coast friend, Diane Amberg Silverman
