I met Dick in the 1940's through my parents who were close friends of Birdie & Norman Spector. Four of us kids grew up together on Chicago's North side, attended Senn High School together and remained life-long pals despite going our separate ways. But sadly life is not that long. First, Mel Bressler, then Mike Schwartz and now dear Dick. He was a Gymnast at Senn and became a devoted handball player. I can remember wheh he devoted virtually full-time to developing his left hand. After the knees went, he showed the same commitment to snowboarding. 
The attached photo shows Dick in the center, Mike on the right and me on the left. (I don't know where Mel was on that day.)

I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't stay in closer touch with Dick. We last spoke sometime in 2013, which accounts for  this late condolence. I checked with Michelle the other day and learned the bad news. I'll always remember Dick.

I was lucky enough to know Dick for over 70 years. He spent so many quality days at our house and was not only a magnificent human being but had the sense of humor that made him a special delight to be with. He never complained about being called up again during the Korean War.
His special joke upon seeing a judge who graduated law school with him was
"that law School was like the roach motel: many entered but few came out"
Bobby Schwartz Chesterfield,MO

Simply, a wonderful human being. I met him on business and we instantly became friends. There are not enough positive thoughts to describe this man.
Semper Fi, my friend

My wife and I had the pleasure of living across from Dick at 3740.  He was a delight to be with and was wonderful with our new son Louis.  I played basketball into my 40's and one day came home from the gym still in my basketball gear.  Dick was in the parking lot, on his skateboard.  He took a look at me bouncing a basketball ball as I walked towards the door of our building, and asked ME when I was going to "grow up".  I am grateful I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful man.

Dick was our hero, our inspiration, and our close friend. He was a true gentleman. I will miss him greatly, but never forget him. 

   Richard Sidell Jr M.D.

Dick was an inspiration to us.  "The Greatest Generation".  My brother, Christian, and my young family were all very lucky to know him the past 15 years since we first met on Buttermilk/Aspen Mountain on our snowboards in 1999.  Here is a guy who fought humbly in WWII (notably all 34 days on Iwo Jima), learned to windsurf and snowboard in his early 60's (so much for being "too old to learn") and keep snowboarding each year until this past winter 2013.  To ride the chairlift with him, share lodging at the Snow Queen in Aspen, meals, my 40th birthday party, routine telephone calls, and calling my young kids as Santa Claus to check in with them were all very precious moments with Dick.  What is notable about Dick is how he always led off a conversation with "OK, first and most important, is how is xxx?"  naming each of my family members from my kids all the way up to my grandmother.  Upon asking for his sage advice for me, Dick said "Take care of your body - eat well and keep moving".  Photos of Dick are around our house, and I am glad my kids have met him, know him through me.....  One day, I will relish telling them that he is listed as "Santa Claus" in my cell phone (as my son started to be able to read - I had to change Dick's listing when "Santa's calling!!!"  "Hi Santa!......")   So, thanks Dick.  God Bless.  We are so, so fortunate to know you!  Your story and legacy will live on with us.  The Scott Phillips family. NY

OBITUARY

Richard S. Spector

July 22, 1926 – June 7, 2013

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