Richard "Rich" A. Wilkey Jr., age 51, of Manhattan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 1, 2022. Survived by his loving wife Kathleen (Gruszka) Wilkey, his devoted children Seth, Clay, Josh, Kaleb, Kaitlyn and Jonathan Wilkey, his sweet granddaughter Addison Wilkey, his mother Patricia Nawrocki, his sister Lori (Rick) Reimer, his brother Dave (Jen) Nawrocki, nieces and nephews Dylan, Jake, Jordyn, Dave, Megan and Jake, his uncle Stan "Stosh" (Barb) Rys, cousins Christina (Lucas) Kmiec, Zach (Elizabeth) Rys, Mia and Dimitri Kmiec, Godson Sebastion, Darren, Brian and Dustin Rys, his mother-in-law Anne Marie McSharry, his father-in-law Gene Gruszka, his sister-in-law Karianne Randick, his brothers-in-law Ryan Randick, Rob Randick, and Tyler (Winona) Blaha-Gruszka and many dear friends. Preceded in death by his father Don Nawrocki. Rich was a graduate of Rich South class of '89. He spent his entire working career at Lincoln-Way High School working in various positions, his last being Director of Building and Grounds. At a very young age, Rich was fascinated with fishing, he loved to fish at various lakes, a string of retention ponds, and most recently the ocean, there was always a pole in his hand or within reach. Rich had a passion for racing and classic cars and at one point, served as the crew chief for Nalon Racing. A handy man extraordinaire, there was no job too big or too small, Rich could fix anything and used this gift for anyone who asked. Of all the Rich's talents and pastimes, fatherhood is what Rich truly loved the most. Attending any and all of his kids sports and activities, their dad was their #1 fan. Rich's family was his first priority, he instilled a positive outlook and gratitude for each day in each of his children. Rich was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, his love for life was contagious and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Rich will be Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 4-8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway, Orland Park with an additional hour of visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.