Richard A. Knaperek, age 58, of Manhattan passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest. He is survived by his wife of 12 years Susan (nee Barnes) Knaperek, his step children Keith (Nicole) Cosmen, Kevin (Karen) Cosmen and Karl Cosmen, his grandchildren Emaira Cosmen and Henry Leo Cosmen, his sisters Rhonda (Ted) Storer and Debbie (Mark) Swiader, his nieces Rebecca (Jeff) Mudrock and Kristen (James) Bannister, his nephew Joseph Storer, his great niece Evelyn Mudrock and his great nephew Malachi Mudrock and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph Richard and Retha Mae (nee Mannahan) Knaperek. Richard was a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School class of 1983 where he was a state wrestler. Richard was a member of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 11 for the last 17 years. Among his pastimes Rich enjoyed volunteering at United Cerebral Palsy-Center for Disability Services in Joliet, golfing, vacationing, especially at Hilton Head, watching the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox, fishing and vegetable gardening. Most importantly, Rich was a great guy who never knew a stranger, he was the first to help anyone who needed a hand. He had a strong work ethic and was a family man at heart. Visitation will take place on June 24, 2023 from 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will immediately follow at 3:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.